Influence of laser powder bed fusion process conditions and resulting microstructures on the electromagnetic properties of a 16MnCr5 steel

Abstract

16MnCr5 steel parts were additively manufactured by laser powder bed fusion in order to investigate the effect of microstructure on electromagnetic properties. As process parameters have a direct impact on the obtained microstructure, different conditions were used to manufacture samples on which magnetic and electrical tests were conducted. The obtained results were presented and discussed in terms of density, microstructure and electromagnetic properties. Finally, correlations have been demonstrated between the microstructure and the electromagnetic performances. Lower magnetic and electric properties were obtained with the higher porosity rates at low volume energy density. The microstructural effects were evidenced, through a decrease in magnetic properties with grain orientation, and an improvement with stress relief annealing.