Resumen: 

High-performance steels require alloying elements such as Ni, Mo, Ti, and Co to achieve their characteristic strength-ductility balance. However, these elements are considered critical due to their cost, scarcity, and environmental impact. An alternative approach is the use of large-scale “commodity alloys” that already contain these essential elements, enabling cost reduction and improved circularity through recycling.

In this work, high-performance steels were developed using commodity alloys as raw materials. Both arc melting and additive manufacturing, specifically laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), were employed to produce compositions closely matching commercial grades.

LPBF processing was optimized to achieve near-fully dense parts. Comprehensive microstructural characterization (OM, SEM-EDS, XRD, EBSD, and dilatometry) established processing-structure-property relationships, while mechanical behavior was evaluated using Vickers hardness and profilometry-based indentation plastometry (PIP). Solution treatment and aging were applied to control microstructure and precipitation strengthening.