Loading...
Precipitation Hardening of the Additive-Manufactured 17-4 PH Stainless Steel for Medical Applications
Author(s)
Wittayawongsaruji, Chonnakan
Vissanuyothin, Pichanan
Jintawattanagul, Athicha
Methabut, Wathit
Jintawattanagul, Siraphat
Thumthae, Chalothorn
Boonmee, Sarum
Date Issued
January 1, 2026
Type
Article
Abstract
This study explores the impact of heat treatment parameters on the hardness and microstructure of 17-4PH stainless steel samples fabricated by additive manufacturing, with a focus on dimensional changes throughout the process. The additive manufacturing method used was Bound Metal Deposition (BMD), which includes digital scanning, 3D metal printing, sintering, and post-processing. It was observed that the printed parts undergo a substantial size increase 16.96% (height) and 18.14% (diameter) to compensate for material loss during the binder removal stage in sintering. Although the sintered parts shrink relative to the printed samples, they remain 3.25% taller and 6.05% wider than the original CAD dimensions. Following sintering, the samples underwent solution treatment and aging at various temperatures and times. Microstructural analysis post-solution treatment revealed a martensitic structure as the predominant phase. Aging caused the formation of strengthening precipitates, leading to peak hardness values of 422.0 and 303.0 HV0.5 at aging temperatures of 480 °C and 620 °C for 1 hour, respectively. Dimensional changes during the precipitation hardening stage were minimal and considered negligible.
Citation
Journal of Biomimetics Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, 72, 1-6, 2026