Strengthening of ferrous binder jet 3D printed components through bronze infiltration

Net-shape 98% dense objects have been fabricated from a rapidly solidified ferrous powder using binder jet 3D printing and molten bronze infiltration. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and differential thermal analysis were used to characterize the structural evolution of the powder feedstock during an infiltration heating cycle. Microindentation and bend tests were performed on the infiltrated material to evaluate its mechanical properties. It was found that infiltration improved the strength of the sintered preforms by eliminating the stress concentration points at interparticle necks.