Materials, Methods & Technologies, Volume 12, 2018

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the properties of samples made from WC-Co powder mixture, printed in two different protective atmospheres, namely nitrogen and argon. An optical and a scanning electron microscope which enables elemental analysis by EDX were used to evaluate the properties of the printed samples. This was further supplemented by analysis of phase composition using X-ray diffraction and of mechanical properties, namely a compression strength test and the Vickers hardness test. Based on a comparison of the results, it was possible to state that the mechanical properties and structure of the samples printed in the protective atmosphere of nitrogen do not differ significantly from the samples printed in the protective atmosphere of argon. Most of the pores that occurred in the structure of the samples were related to the residual moisture of the powder mixture and its other properties. Analysis of the phase composition by X-ray diffraction showed no interaction of nitrogen with the sintered material. Further follow up experiments will search for a suitable WC-Co powder mix for SLM technology. The studies will deal with treatments and processing of the powder mix to create a homogeneous body with minimal internal porosity.