A study on the influence of printing orientation in metal printing using material extrusion technology on the mechanical properties of 17-4 stainless steel products

This study investigated the influence of print orientation on the mechanical properties of 17-4 PH stainless steel parts fabricated using material extrusion technology. Tensile test specimens were 3D printed in different orientations (flat, on-edge, and upright), and their mechanical properties were evaluated. The results showed that the print orientation significantly affected the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation at failure of the specimens. The flat and on-edge orientations exhibited similar mechanical properties, while the upright orientation resulted in lower strength and higher fracture susceptibility. Hardness measurements also indicated variations in hardness distribution among the orientations. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing the print orientation parameter to achieve desired mechanical characteristics in 17-4 PH stainless steel parts.