Local thermal history during the laser additive manufacturing of steel

Laser additive manufacturing techniques – such as laser cladding − were developed in the late 1990s as economic layer-by-layer near-net-shape processes allowing for the production or restoration of complex metallic parts. These techniques are characterised by ultra-fast solidification and cooling rates, thus giving rise to ultra-fine out-of-equilibrium microstructures with potentially enhanced mechanical properties. However, the general quality of a component, as well as its dimensional accuracy, microstructure and final usage properties are strongly influenced by the local thermal history experienced during fabrication. As a consequence, a deeper understanding of the influence of the various processing parameters on the local thermal history during fabrication is of paramount importance, and it can only be reached by combining detailed experimental studies and modeling. Keeping this in mind, the present paper reviews on-going investigations carried out in the Metallic Materials Science Unit of the University of Liege in the laser additive manufacturing of HSS and of stainless steel 316L.