Microstructure and hardness response of novel 316L stainless steel composite with TiN addition fabricated by SLM. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tanprayoon, Dhritti; Srisawadi, Sasitorn; Sato, Yuji; Tsukamoto, Masahiro; Suga, Tetsuo
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 129(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Metal matrix composites -- Microstructure -- Precipitation -- Selective laser melting -- Stainless steel -- Titanium nitride; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2020.106238
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Highlights: Build quality improvement of selective laser melting by applying argon gas flow. 316L composite containing TiN nanoparticles prepared from microscale TiN powder. Indirect prevention of TiN agglomeration by dissolution and re-precipitation. Abstract: 316L stainless steel (316L) is commonly used in wide range of applications because of its strength and corrosion resistance. An increase in its strength is possible when the steel is reinforced with titanium nitride (TiN) particles but there are some difficulties in the conventional fabrication processes that limit the extent of its use. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a well-known additive manufacturing process which shows a promising possibility to fabricate 316L/TiN components. In this work, a process feasibility and an effect of TiN addition were studied by fabricating the samples with different levels of TiN addition (0, 1, 5, and 10 wt%) and scan speed (30 and 50 mm/s). The process was conducted in an in-house developed SLM machine. The comparison between chamber atmospheric conditions were made – vacuum with and without argon gas flow. The sample build quality was improved by using argon gas flow. The TiN nanoparticles were observed within the molten layer despite the initial size of TiN powder about 1.5 µm. The results suggest the possibility of the fabrication of 316L/TiN composite the nanoscale TiN particles from microscale TiN powder.