Influence of Laser-Wire Metal Deposition Process Parameters on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of ER70S-6 Steel

Low-carbon steels, such as ER70S-6, are typically considered resistant to phase transformations due to their high critical cooling rate. However, this study investigates how the manufacturing process and specimen geometry influence heat dissipation, potentially leading to localized grain size variations that impact mechanical properties. To analyze these effects, samples were fabricated using Laser Wire-Feed Additive Manufacturing (LWAM) with different geometries, and their hardness and microstructural characteristics were evaluated. Vickers microhardness tests were performed along the specimens to assess local variations, while dilatometry measurements were conducted to determine thermal expansion coefficients for future integration into finite element models (FEMs) of residual stress distribution. The results reveal that differences in heat dissipation during fabrication lead to grain size heterogeneity, affecting hardness at a microscopic scale and overall mechanical performance. These findings highlight the importance of considering thermal history and geometry in LWAM-fabricated components to ensure consistent material properties.