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On-demand WEBINAR | Influence of In-Situ Heat Treatment on the Microstructure of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Processed PM23 

See how baseplate temperature and build position influence dendritic structure, porosity, carbide networks and grain-boundary microcracks in additively manufactured PM23 high-speed steel. 

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PM23 is a powder-metallurgy high-speed steel used for demanding machining, turning, forming and deep-drawing tools. Its combination of hardness, wear resistance and toughness makes it attractive for tooling applications, but difficult to process reliably using laser powder bed fusion.

During laser powder bed fusion, also referred to as PBF-LB/M, the material experiences rapid heating and cooling cycles. Crack formation, local pore accumulation and changes in the carbide structure can occur even when the main process parameters have already been optimised.

Baseplate preheating is commonly used to reduce thermal gradients and limit cracking. But does increasing the baseplate temperature always improve the result?

In this research-focused webinar, Dr. Romina Krieg follows the problem from PM23 powder and process parameters to the resulting microstructure. She compares specimens produced with baseplate temperatures of 250 °C and 400 °C, examines microstructural changes across a 20 mm build, and investigates a severely cracked test cube produced with baseplate heating at 600 °C.

Using SEM imaging, BSE contrast, elemental mapping and fracture-surface analysis, the webinar reveals how processing temperature and position within the build influence dendritic structure, porosity, carbide-network formation and cracking. 

 

By watching the webinar, you will learn:

  • Why PM23 high-speed steel is susceptible to cracking and porosity during laser powder bed fusion

  • How the austenite-to-martensite transformation and supersaturated interstitial carbon create favourable conditions for Cr-, Mo-, W- and V-containing carbides

  • How baseplate temperatures of 250 °C and 400 °C influence dendritic structure and local pore accumulation

  • Why microstructure and defect density can vary at different positions within the same 20 mm build

  • How grain-boundary microcracks, carbide networks, cracks and fissures appear in high-defect regions

  • What the heavily damaged specimen produced with 600 °C baseplate heating reveals about simply increasing the process temperature

  • How SEM imaging, BSE contrast, elemental mapping and fracture-surface analysis help connect LPBF process conditions with defect formation

  • Why dual exposure is being investigated as a next step towards improving the LPBF processing of PM23

Speakers

Dr. Romina Krieg
Dr. Romina Krieg

Leader of the Materials Department at FGW - Forschungsgemeinschaft Werkzeuge und Werkstoffe e. V.


Several years of expertise in industrial research and development: Metals, Degradation mechanisms, Approval procedures in the nuclear sector, Standardization.

The work in the department spans from shape memory alloys to tool steel and copper based alloys for corrosion protection applications. Several production processes from melting and forging over atomization to L-PBF.

Also responsible for the analytic department as well, which holds focused ion beam – scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), and associated microanalytical techniques (EDS, EBSD), X-ray CT with spectral capability, and XRD.

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About the Organization

 FGW - Forschungsgemeinschaft Werkzeuge und Werkstoffe e. V.  is an independent materials testing and characterization center serving industrial and research customers across Europe.

Through advanced materials analysis, failure investigations, metallography, and microstructural characterization, the laboratory supports the development and optimization of manufacturing processes and advanced materials.

Independent testing laboratories play a critical role in translating microscopy and analytical data into practical engineering decisions, helping manufacturers improve product quality, reliability, and process understanding.

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Influence of In-Situ Heat Treatment on the Microstructure of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Processed PM23

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Understand Cracking in LPBF PM23

Watch the on-demand webinar to explore how in-situ heat treatment and build conditions influence cracking, porosity, and microstructure in LPBF-processed PM23.

 

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