The combined influence of elevated pre-sintering and subsequent bronze infiltration on the microstructures and mechanical properties of 420 stainless steel additively manufactured via binder jet printing

Abstract In the present study, 420 stainless steel parts with different porosities in the range of ∼6 % to ∼ 54 % were fabricated via the binder jet printing technology followed by pre-sintering between 1000 and 1400 °C. Initially, during the pre-sintering at 1150 °C, evidences of neck formation between the 420 stainless steel particles were observed. Later, when pre-sintered at higher temperature between 1300 and 1350 °C, the parts were found with 3D interconnected open-porous channels. Finally, pre-sintering at 1400 °C led to closed/isolated pores within the parts. Subsequent bronze infiltration into the as-built (without pre-sintering) and pre-sintered (