Use plain carbon steels as high-performance alloy steels by 3D printing (2026-2028)
Abstract
This project aims to enhance properties of plain carbon steels by metal 3D printing through leveraging its features of sequential microscale melting and rapid cooling. Research outcomes enable to use such low-cost, the most common carbon steels as more expensive high-performance alloy steels without size limitations, while eliminating the long-standing part distortion and cracking issues related to conventional steel heat treatment. The research broadens the usability of carbon steels and expands applications of 3D printing. This should provide substantial benefits, including improved material sustainability and plainification, process simplification, and enhanced steel recyclability, leading to cost savings, and reduced carbon emissions.
