Enhanced Strength-Ductility Synergy Properties in Selective Laser Melted 316L Stainless Steel by Strengthening...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Selective Laser Melting (SLM) 316L stainless steel (SS) offers complex geometries but suffers from low mechanical properties.
• Limited yield strength, tensile stress, and hardness restrict the application of SLM 316L SS components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of the strengthening grinding process (SGP) in enhancing the mechanical properties of SLM 316L SS.
• To analyze the impact of SGP on microhardness, residual stress, microstructure, and tensile behavior.

Main Methods:

• Application of the strengthening grinding process (SGP) to SLM 316L SS samples.
• Comprehensive analysis of microhardness, residual stress, microstructure, and tensile properties.
• Comparison of treated samples against untreated baseline samples.

Main Results:

• SGP induced significant compressive residual stress (up to -446 MPa) and increased microhardness (up to 354.5 HV).
• A plastic deformation layer exceeding 150 μm was observed after SGP.
• Yield strength, ultimate tensile stress, and elongation improved by 30%, 25.5%, and 99.1%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• SGP is an effective method for simultaneously enhancing both strength and ductility of SLM 316L SS.
• The improved mechanical properties make SGP-treated SLM 316L SS suitable for advanced engineering applications.
• SGP offers a viable pathway to overcome limitations in additively manufactured stainless steel components.