Hybrid additive manufacturing of AISI H13 through interlayer machining and laser re-melting

Heat accumulation along the deposited layers in AM is an important issue that may lead to shape distortions. In this context, the present paper is aimed at analysing the feasibility of interlayer post-processing of depositions to improve interlayer bonding and process performance. Concretely, the use of interlayer machining and laser re-melting is tested and their effect on the porosity, mechanical properties and component distortion is analysed. Additionally, the results obtained after each interlayer post-processing technique were compared with an as-deposited sample to analyse the benefits of the hybrid additive manufacturing approach on the generated parts. Samples post-treated through machining showed the lowest deformation. As for the porosity, laser remelting post-processing led to best results. Hardness was also tested along the height of samples and it was observed that it increases in build direction for all the cases tested. Highest hardness values were obtained for the samples post-processed through machining.