17-4 PH Steel Printing
17-4 PH (17Cr-4Ni-4Cu) is the highest-strength DMLS stainless steel: 1,365–1,372 MPa UTS and 50–52 HRC after H900 precipitation hardening (480°C/1 hour). DMLS as-printed 17-4 PH has an unusual martensite microstructure that actually exceeds wrought properties in some orientations. Applications: aerospace brackets, firearms components, tooling inserts, medical instrument handles, shafts and fasteners requiring both high strength and moderate corrosion resistance.
316L Stainless Steel
316L (18Cr-12Ni-2Mo) is the workhorse DMLS stainless for corrosion applications. Lower strength than 17-4 PH but far superior corrosion resistance (pitting potential > +200 mV) and exceptional ductility (50% elongation — absorbs shock without fracture). Applications: chemical processing components, marine hardware, medical implants (ASTM F138), food equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing fixtures. Low carbon (L grade) prevents sensitization during the DMLS thermal cycle.
H13 Tool Steel
H13 (5Cr-1.5Mo-1V hot-work tool steel) is printed by DMLS for injection mold tooling inserts with conformal cooling channels. Standard mold inserts use drilled straight channels; DMLS produces channels that follow the mold cavity contour at constant distance (3–5 mm), dramatically improving cooling uniformity. Result: 20–40% cycle time reduction, better part quality (reduced warpage), longer tool life due to reduced thermal gradient. Channel diameter ≥ 2 mm, radius ≥ 3 mm.
Maraging Steel (MS1)
MS1 (18Ni-9Co-5Mo maraging 300) is the highest-strength material available via DMLS: 1,850–1,900 MPa UTS after aging at 490°C for 6 hours. No carbon means no quench cracking and excellent weldability. Applications: aerospace tooling that must be lighter than hardened tool steel but stronger than 17-4 PH, high-performance motorsport components, forming dies and blanking punches where impact toughness combined with ultra-high strength is required.