Investigation on processing of ASTM A131 Eh36 high tensile strength steel using selective laser melting

In this paper, selective laser melting (SLM) technique was used to investigate the processing of EH36 high tensile strength steel commonly used in the shipbuilding applications. EH36 powder was produced according to ASTM A131 standards using gas atomisation process. SLM process parameters, including scanning speed and hatch spacing, were investigated to produce test specimens with high density. Parts were successfully built using SLM without cracks. Density tests were performed according to ASTM B962 standards. Light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed slight porosities and martensitic microstructure respectively. The study concluded that EH36 parts could be produced using SLM and this provided foundation work for the technical feasibility of fabricating high tensile strength steel components for the shipbuilding industry.