An Investigation of the Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of Additive-Manufactured 316L SS with SLM

Selective laser melting (SLM) forms specimens that often exhibit anisotropic mechanical properties. Most existing research only explains that the mechanical properties of specimens perpendicular to the build direction are superior to those parallel to the build direction. In this paper, the mechanical properties of SLM 316L SS specimens with different surfaces and different directions are compared. Finally, it was found that the mechanical properties of specimens on Face 3 are stronger than those on Face 1 and Face 2, while the mechanical properties of specimens on Face 1 and Face 2 are similar. For specimens in different directions on the same surface, the mechanical properties of Face 1 and Face 2 exhibit clear anisotropy, while the mechanical properties of Face 3 tend to be isotropic. In this paper, the EBSD technique was used to analyze the specimens. It was found that the anisotropy of the mechanical properties of Face 1 and Face 2 are attributed to the presence of texture and columnar crystals in the sample. This paper can provide accurate and reliable material performance data for the practical application of SLM 316L SS, thereby guiding the optimization of engineering design and manufacturing processes.