Characterization of mechanically milled 17-4 pH stainless steel powders

In this study, a Szegvari type vertical mechanical alloying/milling attritor for research pusposes has been designed and constructed. By using this attritor, optimum processing parameters such as milling time, milling speed (rev/min), diameter and the amount of milling balls, milling atmosphere, raw material properties were determined when mechanical milling of gas and water atomised 1 7-4 PH stainless steel powders were carried out. After the milling, powder size analyses and microscopic studies (optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) were utilised for characterisation of as-received &milled powders. It was observed from the results of the present investigation that for 17-4 PH stainless steel powders, optimum properties were obtained when milling was carried out at 500 rev/min in inert atmosphere by using 250 g of 10 mm diameter balls. Science Code : 225.01.01 Key Words : Mechanical Milling, Stainless Steel, Powder Characterisation