Influence of Thermal Environment Conditions on Mechanical Properties of MEX Printed 17-4 PH Stainless Steel

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of thermal environmental conditions during printing and their effects on the mechanical properties of material extrusion (MEX) 3D-printed 17-4 PH stainless steel. Various ambient temperatures and cooling behaviors were used during the printing process of the tensile specimens. Following DIN EN ISO 50125 and DIN EN ISO 6892, the study analyzes tensile strength, elongation and yield strength. The results demonstrate that the thermal environmental conditions affect both tensile and yield strength. Subsequent analysis indicates that changes in the mechanical properties result from alterations in the microstructure of the material due to the thermal environment. The elongation of printed specimens shows consistent behavior under varying thermal environmental conditions. In conclusion, careful consideration of the thermal environment is necessary for controlling and optimizing the mechanical properties of MEX-printed 17-4 PH stainless steel.