This paper describes recent progress on the Direct Selective Laser Sintering of M2 [Fe6W-5Mo-4Cr-2V-0.8C] high speed steel (HSS) and H13 [Fe-5Cr-1V-1Si-1.5Mo-0.4C] tool steel
powders. Part B will focus on the microstructural evolution of laser scanned powder beds. It has
been found that H13 powders are more amenable to Direct Selective Laser Sintering than M2
powders. Densities up to 90% are possible with H13 powder compared with 70% for M2. The
relationship between alloy composition, microstructure, post-scanned density and scan
conditions will be discussed for single track, single layer and multi-layer constructions.The research reported in this paper is a joint project between the Universities of Bradford, Leeds
and Liverpool, funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council under
Grant Number GR/R32222.Mechanical Engineerin
