Selective laser melting of stainless steel 316L with low porosity and high build rates. (15th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Zhongji; Tan, Xipeng; Tor, Shu Beng; Yeong, Wai Yee
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 104(2016)
• Page Start: 197
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2016-08-15
• Subjects: Additive manufacturing -- Selective laser melting -- Stainless steel 316L -- Transmission electron microscopy -- Microhardness; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2016.05.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: The present study employs fast scanning speeds to fabricate high-density stainless steel 316L (SS316L) parts via selective laser melting (SLM). It aims to improve the production rate while maintaining a low porosity for the SLM-built parts. Density values of > 99% were recorded for all the fabricated samples in this study. The scanning speed of the laser could be much improved due to the use of 380 W power laser. The overall build rate in this study is supposed to be enhanced by ~ 72% as compared to commonly used processing parameters. Detailed microstructural characterization was carried out in order to obtain an in-depth understanding of the microstructure of SLM-built SS316L. The microhardness of built parts is between 213 and 220 HV, which is much higher than that of the standard annealed counterpart of ~ 155 HV. This study provides an insight on how to improve SLM build rates without any loss of parts' density and mechanical properties. Graphical abstract: Highlights: High-density SS316L parts were successfully built via SLM. Build rate was significantly improved without sacrificing parts' density. The relationship between microstructure and microhardness was investigated. An alternative way to develop SLM processing parameters for new materials was suggested.