Enhancing wear performance: A comparative study of traditional vs. additive manufacturing techniques for 17–4pH SS

This study investigates the microstructural, mechanical, and tribological characteristics of 17–4 PH stainless steel specimens produced through Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques, namely Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), in comparison to conventionally wrought steel (W). The wear test carried out on the samples were pin-on-disk, ball-on-plate and lubricated pin-on-disk. The counter part was an alumina ball with a diameter of 3 mm. The wear scar was less pronounced on lubrication test than in dry conditions for all samples. The coefficients of friction (COFs) were higher in dry conditions (in the order of 10−1) than in lubrication conditions (in the order of 10−2). Moreover, the wear rate had a significant reduction under lubrication conditions (in dry tests are in the order of 10−7, while lubrication conditions led to results in the order of 10−9). Additionally, FFF and SLM exhibited remarkably low wear rates in comparison to the wrought sample showing a superior dry and lubricated wear behaviour. AM allows for comparable or improved properties, despite slightly lower hardness due to retained austenite/delta ferrite and reduced precipitates. That significant improvement enhances the appeal of AM for high-performance components, particularly for small production runs and complex geometries being a promising and efficient technology for diverse industries.