Response surface methodology for modelling tribological behaviour of maraging steel 300 parts manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

Knowledge of friction properties of a material is essential in order to understand its tribological applications. The friction is an important aspect that affects functionality of maraging steel components manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Although friction and wear reduces stability and reliability of vulnerable parts, the friction is beneficial in other applications. A response surface methodology (RSM) model was developed in order to predict and optimise the coefficient of friction (COF) of LPBF manufactured maraging steel 300 parts. The model data was obtained from a series of experiments by varying the following LPBF processing variables; laser power, scan speed and hatch spacing. The RSM model results were consistent with the experiment values. A minimum COF value = 0.109 was predicted under LPBF processing parameters laser power = 130 W, scanning speed = 750 mm/s and hatch spacing = 104 µm. Maximum COF = 0.166 was obtained at laser power = 130 W, scanning speed = 400 mm/s and hatch spacing = 110 µm.