  Joining of dissimilar metals is required for numerous applications in
industries such as chemical, energy and automotive. It is challenging due to
differences in melting point, density, and thermal expansion of the metals
being joined. Common welding techniques involve limiting melting and
solidification to a narrow area leading to high thermal stresses and
potentially brittle intermetallic phases. Furthermore, the geometric complexity
of these welded joints can be rather limited. Additive Manufacturing (AM)
presents new techniques for joining of dissimilar metals. One of the emerging
methods is the building of functionally graded parts using Directed Energy
Deposition (DED) to spatially vary composition. In this paper, a SS316L and
C300 maraging steel couple were joined by DED and heat treated. 13 discrete
composition layers were selected using metallurgical considerations, in order
to ensure a smooth transition in properties and microstructure. The mechanical
properties of the as-built joints were found to be similar to the SS part and
no intermetallic phases were found in the interface.
