Laser Beam Melting of H13 Tool Steel: From the Evolution of Microstructure to Process Simulation

H13, a multifunctional chromium-molybdenum carbon steel, is widely used in hot work applications. Based on previous experimental evidence, H13 can be processed by additive manufacturing at elevated temperatures by applying appropriate laser parameters. The current investigation focuses on the evaluation of the microstructure in different heat treatment conditions, in particular evaluation of phases and defects from macro- to microscale, and on the corresponding mechanical properties. Furthermore, the mutual relations of composition, process conditions and resulting microstructures are studied. The experimentally confirmed parameters seem to be promising for both manufacturing of high-demanding components and for implementation within a mechanism-based simulation model for prediction of laser parameters for new alloys and other laser beam melting systems.