Effect of postprocessing on structure and properties alternatively prepared metallic materials

Alternative manufacturing processes, such as additive technologies, are currently the subject of intensive research because they represent innovative approaches with potential advantages compared to conventional manufacturing methods. On the other hand, for their broader commercial application, it is necessary to address certain issues accompanying these processes. Among the best-known additive technologies is 3D printing, but materials produced in this way may exhibit a certain degree of porosity, unfavourable residual stress states and microstructures, and consequently lower static or dynamic properties, whether at room or elevated temperatures. One possibility for optimizing these challenges is post-processing of such materials. In this work, the research focuses on methods such as thermal or thermo-mechanical treatment and their effect on selected properties of metallic materials produced by alternative processes (SLM technology). The investigated materials comprised the tool steel Dievar, AISI H13, and the nickel-based superalloy Inconel 718. The results indicate that thermo-mechanical processing has a beneficial effect on microstructure evolution, modification of residual stress within the material, reduction of porosity, and enhancement of mechanical properties. To evaluate the effect of post-processing, conventional as well as non-conventional methods were employed, such as accelerated creep testing.