Metals for industrial 3D printing

3D printing stainless steel

1.4404 and 1.4542 / 17-4 PH

3D printing stainless steel

Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, weatherproof, durable, conductive, temperature-resistant and very hygienic. These properties make stainless steel a very versatile material, especially in modern additive manufacturing. The material is a preferred choice in sectors such as medical technology, the food industry, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and shipbuilding.

Advantages of 3D printing stainless steel

  • High corrosion resistance
  • Particular longevity
  • Very good hygiene
  • High thermal conductivity
  • High strength
  • Good temperature resistance

Stainless steel alloys in 3D printing

In additive manufacturing, stainless steel is processed in powder form. Two particularly important alloys are stainless steel 1.4404 and stainless steel 1.4542. Both stainless steel alloys are particularly pure. This means that the material contains a low proportion of carbon, sulphur and phosphorus. This ensures optimum material quality for additive manufacturing.

1.4404

Stainless steel 1.4404

Austenitic stainless steel 1.4404 (AISI 316L) is one of the most commonly used corrosion-resistant stainless steels.

Thanks to the addition of 2 to 2.5 percent molybdenum, it has particularly good corrosion resistance. This proves to be advantageous in natural environmental media, in media with moderate chlorine and salt concentrations and in the classic production environments of the food industry.

A thin, self-healing chromium oxide layer on the metal surface also contributes to the high corrosion resistance. In addition, the low carbon content of the steel enables good resistance to intercrystalline corrosion – even in continuous operation up to 300 °C.

Stainless steel 1.4404 is not only suitable for use at high temperatures up to 550 °C, but also for low-temperature resistant applications. Due to its excellent properties in terms of durability and hygiene, this alloy is often used in medical technology and the food industry.

  • Maximum installation space: 400 x 400 x 360 mm
    • Product sheet (PDF)

    Properties 3D printing stainless steel 1.4404

  • Mechanical
    • Yield strength Re
    470 N/mm²
    Tensile strength Rm
    570 N/mm²
    Elongation at break A
    > 15 %
    Modulus of elasticity
    approx. 200 - 10³ N/mm²
    Hardness
    20 HRC
  • Thermal
    • Thermal conductivity ʎ
    approx. 15W/mK
  • Standards
    • 1.4542 / 17-4 PH

    Stainless steel 1.4542

    The stainless martensitic 3D-printed stainless steel 1.4542 / 17-4 PH (AISI 630) is characterized by its high corrosion resistance, strength and ductility. This makes it ideal for use in maritime environments and demanding industrial applications.

    This stainless steel variant offers excellent machinability and can be easily welded, heat-treated, sterilized, blasted, polished or coated. Thanks to its excellent thermal conductivity, the alloy is suitable for a wide range of applications.

    Stainless steel 1.4542 is suitable for use in the low temperature range and up to a maximum temperature of 450 °C. 3D-printed components made from this alloy therefore offer a flexible and durable solution for demanding industrial requirements.

  • Maximum installation space size: 250 mm x 250 mm x 300 mm
    • Product sheet (PDF)

    Properties 3D printing stainless steel 1.4542 / 17-4 PH

  • Mechanical
    • Yield strength Re
    540 +/- 50 N/mm²
    Tensile strength Rm
    1050 +/- 50 N/mm²
    Elongation at break A
    25 +/-5 %
    Modulus of elasticity
    170 +/-20 N/mm²
    Hardness
    approx. 230 HV1
  • Thermal
    • Thermal conductivity ʎ
    max. 16 W/mK
  • Standards

    • Possible applications of 3D printing with stainless steel

    Thanks to the versatility of the alloys, 3D printing with stainless steel has a wide range of possible applications:

    • Medical technology: Stainless steel 1.4404 is perfect for medical implants, surgical tools and pharmaceutical devices due to its corrosion resistance and hygiene.

    • Food industry: Stainless steel components are insensitive to moisture and easy to clean, making them ideal for machine components in food processing.

    • Aerospace: With its high strength and thermal conductivity, stainless steel is used in the production of small series and spare parts.

    • Shipbuilding: Stainless steel is also indispensable in maritime applications due to its corrosion resistance and weather resistance.

    • Jewelry industry: The precise manufacturing and smooth surface make stainless steel a popular choice for high-quality jewelry.

    With the help of SLM (Selective Laser Melting), FKM produces functional prototypes, individual components and series products up to a size of 400 x 400 x 310 mm from metal. The combination of material quality and design freedom offers enormous potential for a wide range of industries.

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