Influences of Energy Density on Porosity and Microstructure of Selective Laser Melted 17- 4PH Stainless Steel

Energy density, which directly impacts the properties of as-built parts, is a key factor in the metal selective laser melting (SLM) process. This paper studies the influences of energy density on porosity and microstructure of SLM 17-4PH stainless steel parts. Experiments were carried out by varying processing parameters to change energy density. Porosity was estimated using the Archimedes method and image analysis. Microstructures were investigated through optical and electron microscopy. The experimental results were discussed regarding porosity formation and microstructure characterization.