The aim of this study was to explore the mechanical properties of thin-walled maraging steel (MS1) elements fabricated using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). This article first explains the fabrication procedure and then analyzes the results of the static tensile strength tests and microscopic (SEM) examinations. From this study, it is evident that the mechanical properties of such objects, particularly their tensile strength, are not affected by the build direction; no significant anisotropy was found. The experiments confirm, however, that the mechanical properties of thin-walled elements fabricated from MS1 by DMLS are largely dependent on thickness. The microscopic images of such elements show local discontinuities in the macrostructure of the molten material (powder). Although the research described here mainly contributes to the field of additive manufacturing, it also considers some aspects of Lean manufacturing.
Keywords: direct metal laser sintering (DMLS); maraging steel; mechanica properties; thin-walled elements.