Influence of Selective Laser Melting Technology Process Parameters on Porosity and Hardness of AISI H13 Tool Steel: Statistical Approach

The correct setting of laser beam parameters and scanning strategy for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology is a demanding process. Usually, numerous experimental procedures must be taken before the final strategy can be applied. The presented work deals with SLM technology and the impact of its technological parameters on the porosity and hardness of AISI H13 tool steel. In this study, we attempted to map the dependency of porosity and hardness of the tested tool steel on a broad spectrum of scanning speed-laser power combinations. Cubic samples were fabricated under parameters defined by full factorial DOE, and metallurgic specimens were prepared for measurement of the two studied quantities. The gathered data were finally analyzed, and phenomenological models were proposed. Analysis of the data revealed a minimal energy density of 100.3 J/mm3 was needed to obtain a dense structure with a satisfactory hardness level. Apart from this, the model may be used for approximation of non-tested combinations of input parameters.