Influence Of Printing Direction On The Mechanical Properties At Different Length Scales For WC-Co Samples Consolidated By Binder Jetting 3D Printing

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is rapidly growing as a revolutionary technique. It provides an interesting ability to produce complex geometries, a key feature for enhancing performance and widening application fields of hardmetal components. Within this context, all the samples produced by AM [AMed] are expected to exhibit characteristics linked to the shaping route followed, which are also vital for defining their mechanical integrity. This work aims to study the correlation of the printing direction to the final microstructure, mechanical properties and layer assemblage at different length scales for a 12%wtCo–WC grade hardmetals of medium/coarse grain size consolidated by binder jetting 3D printing and subsequent sintering. Vickers macro- and micro-hardness as well as reciprocal scratch tests are conducted. The results are analysed and discussed in terms of printing orientation effects on microstructural variability, mechanical response, intrinsic physical behaviour of the material and feedstock used.