Improved properties of additively manufactured metals by adding graphene: Continuationon

Purpose and goal:

A technology for graphene coating of stainless steel powder for additive manufacturing has been demonstrated. Optimized process parameters for laser powder-bed and electron-beam powder-bed manufacturing have been developed, with full density on the built materials. The best result regarding graphene stability after fabrication was achieved for laser powder-bed. Improvements in hardness, strength, wear properties and corrosion properties have been demonstrated, especially for laser powder-bed.

Expected results and effects:

An efficient method to coat stainless steel 316L with functionalized graphene has been demonstrated. Process parameters for manufacturing components using the additive manufacturing methods laser- and electron beam powder-bed have been developed. New knowledge about the properties of the powder after coating with graphene has emerged.

Knowledge has increased about the mechanical, tribological and corrosion properties of graphene and stainless steel composites. Based on the improved properties, a demonstrator has been manufactured for a selected end user. Approach and implementation:

The work was carried out sequentially in different parts along the value chain, with different partners responsible, but all partners involved in the result analysis: powder coating, powder characterization, laser powder-bed manufacturing, manufacturing and comparison with electron beam powder-bed, characterization of built components, choice of demonstrator and end user. This arrangement was successful, the various parts were well connected and depended on input from others which was provided at project meetings and also in between. The results were discussed jointly.