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Post-Processing Optimization of MDLP-Fabricated 316L Stainless Steel: Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical
Zequn Wu1, Weiwei Liu1, Hongzhi Zhou2
1School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Optimizing post-processing for Metal Digital Light Processing (MDLP) 316L stainless steel enhances mechanical properties. Proper debinding, decarburization, and sintering are crucial for achieving high density and superior performance in 3D printed parts.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Metallurgy
Background:
- Metal Digital Light Processing (MDLP) enables high-resolution 3D printing of metal parts.
- Post-processing significantly influences the final properties of MDLP-fabricated components.
- 316L stainless steel is a widely used material in additive manufacturing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the effects of debinding, decarburization, and sintering on MDLP-316L stainless steel.
- To determine an optimal post-processing route for enhancing shape fidelity, microstructure, and mechanical properties.
- To correlate microstructural evolution with mechanical property changes.
Main Methods:
- MDLP was used to fabricate 316L stainless steel parts.
- Debinding was performed in an inert atmosphere.
- Decarburization was carried out in air at 400-600 °C.
- Sintering was conducted at 1370 °C for 4 hours under nitrogen.
- Shape fidelity, microstructure, and mechanical properties (density, hardness, elastic modulus, tensile strength, elongation) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- An optimal post-processing route was identified: inert debinding, air decarburization (400-600 °C), and nitrogen sintering (1370 °C for 4 h).
- The optimized process yielded a relative density of 98.03 ± 0.23%.
- Achieved mechanical properties include hardness (380.63 ± 9.15 HV), elastic modulus (213.47 ± 5.5 GPa), tensile strength (519.7 ± 22 MPa), and elongation at fracture (76.8 ± 9.3%).
- Higher sintering temperatures reduced porosity and smoothed Cr-rich phase morphology, improving mechanical performance.
Conclusions:
- An effective post-processing strategy for MDLP-fabricated 316L stainless steel was established.
- The study elucidates the microstructural basis for property improvements during post-processing.
- Optimized post-processing is critical for realizing the full potential of MDLP for 316L stainless steel applications.
