The Influence of Build Parameters on the Compressive Properties of Selective Laser Melted 304L Stainless Steel

Process parameters used during Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process have significant effects on the mechanical properties of the manufactured parts. In this study, the influence of two build parameters (build orientation and hatch angle) on the compressive properties of 304L stainless steel was evaluated. SLM 304L samples were manufactured using three hatch angles, 0°, 67°,105° and two orientations, z-direction and x-direction, and tested using a compression frame according to ASTM E9-09. Bulk density was measured according to ASTM C373-17 before compression. Properties evaluated were the bulk density, yield strength, strength at 15% plastic-strain and strength at 30% plastic-strain. Results showed that bulk density varied minutely with respect to variation in hatch angle and build orientation, but compressive yield strength and plastic flow stress were strongly influenced by these two process parameters. Highest compressive yield strength was measured when samples were built in the x-direction using hatch angle 67°.Mechanical Engineerin