Industrial Potential of Additively Manufactured H13 Steel Components: A Service Life Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24425/afe.2026.158019Abstract
This article focuses on evaluating the service life of components made from H13 tool steel manufactured using additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing. This was done by comparing them with components produced by conventional manufacturing methods. H13 tool steel is widely used due to its high mechanical strength and resistance to thermal cycling, properties which are particularly important in high-pressure die casting (HPDC) applications. In such processes, components are regularly subjected to significant mechanical and thermal stresses. The article provides a comprehensive comparison of dimensional stability, porosity, surface roughness, hardness, and operational wear in conventionally and additively manufactured H13 components. Additional measurements of surface roughness were conducted to provide further insight into the material’s surface condition and the overall reliability of the additively manufactured components. The results provide insight into the advantages and limitations of additively manufactured H13 components and support their potential industrial application in high-pressure die casting.
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