Influence of hybrid additive manufacturing processes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of maraging steel 1.2709 components with post-processing heat treatments

The microstructural analysis revealed that the hybrid manufacturing process, combining Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED), resulted in a refined grain structure with a uniform phase distribution in the Maraging Steel 1.2709 components. The post-processing heat treatments, specifically stress relief at 500 C-degrees for 2 h and solution treatment at 850 C-degrees for 2 h, significantly enhanced the material's mechanical properties. The components exhibited increased hardness and improved tensile strength, attributed to the effective elimination of residual stresses and the promotion of desirable precipitate formation during heat treatment. Overall, the study demonstrated that the hybrid PBF-DED process, coupled with appropriate heat treatments, can produce maraging steel components with superior mechanical performance, making them suitable for high-stress applications in advanced manufacturing sectors.