The Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) has been intensively developed during last decades und belongs to well established AM processes with high potential for building and repair parts made of high strength steels and alloys. Especially the die and mould industry shows a growing interest to the LMD, which can be applied for manufacturing of moulds with improved functionality. The metallic materials used for LMD processing of mould components should exhibit good weldability and achieve high mechanical properties such as hardness, wear resistance and strength.
In the present study the LMD processed material Ferro55 was investigated for the determination of the influence of the process parameters and of the subsequent heat treatment on the final mechanical properties. The mechanical properties were proofed for as-built, hardened and tempered conditions. The hardness distribution as well as the variation of the chemical compositions in the LMD built parts were examined.
Ferro55 materials shows a very high strength and hardness already in as-built condition. These properties exceed the properties of comparable hot forming tool steels like X37CrMoV5-1 (1.2343). Further improvements especially in respect to toughness can be achieved through the subsequent heat treatment.