Microstructure and mechanical properties of a modified 316 austenitic stainless steel alloy manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

A 316 austenitic stainless-steel alloy, with modified alloy composition, manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) has been investigated. The modification of the alloy composition included addition of niobium (Nb), tungsten (W) and copper (Cu), together with a reduction in the amount of molybdenum (Mo) and an increased amount of carbon (C). To find suitable process parameters, a parameter study by varying laser power, hatch distance and scan speed was performed, centered on typical parameters used for normal 316 L. As-built material from a selected parameter configuration was then subjected to different stress relief annealing heat treatments and ageing heat treatments. The effectiveness of the stress annealing was ranked using a deformation-based method. Microstructural characterization, hardness and room temperature tensile testing were done to evaluate the effect of stress relief and aging heat treatments. It was found that a higher volumetric energy was needed to build dense material, about ∼50 % higher compared to the volumetric energy input for normal 316 L. A subsequent aging heat treatment at 725 °C for 3 h increased the strength and hardness of the material. A reinforcement of the cellular microstructure by precipitation of carbides in between the cells is believed to be the main reason for this. To completely alleviate the residual stresses it was necessary to carry out a stress relief annealing process at 950 °C, which resulted in a removal of the cellular structure and a lower strength material.Full text license: CC BY