CAVITATION EROSION OF 3D PRINTED MARAGING STEEL

Abstract

We are witnessing the expansion of the application of metal machine parts and elements obtained using some of the additive manufacturing technologies. However, there are still not many publications on the surface load-carrying capacity of 3D-printed parts, especially worn by cavitation erosion. If cavitation occurs in the fluid that is in contact with the surfaces of machine parts, erosive wear may occur due to high-cycle fatigue of local micro volumes. The result is a loss of material mass and a change in the geometry of the surfaces. In this way, the functionality of the parts, operational ability, load-carrying capacity, service life, and reliability were reduced. The degree of surface damage of machine parts exposed to cavitation depends on the chemical composition, microstructure, and mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of the material. This paper presents the results of testing the resistance to cavitation of metal samples produced on a 3D printer by laser sintering of high-quality steel powder of maraging steel MS1.