Process-Driven Structural and Property Evolution in Laser Powder Bed Fusion of a Newly Developed AISI 316L Stainless...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Metal additive manufacturing (AM) faces challenges with material processability and functionality.
• Developing novel alloys is crucial for advancing AM capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a new AISI 316L-based alloy for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF).
• To investigate the relationship between L-PBF process parameters, microstructure, and properties of the new alloy.

Main Methods:

• Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process parameter optimization.
• Microstructural analysis using electron microscopy.
• Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) for texture and misorientation analysis.

Main Results:

• Increased laser energy density reduced porosity and surface roughness.
• Uniform copper distribution within the austenite phase was observed.
• A strong crystallographic texture along the build direction, including Goss texture, was identified.

Conclusions:

• The developed AISI 316L alloy demonstrates enhanced performance for AM applications.
• L-PBF process parameter control is effective for tailoring microstructure and properties.
• This study provides critical process-structure-property insights for novel AM alloy development.