Mechanical behaviour and high strain rate deformation of stainless steel 316L processed by selective laser melting

With growing interest in metal additive manufacturing (AM) for aerospace and defence applications, it is important to understand the influence of processing conditions on high strain rate behaviour. This paper presents research on as-built stainless steel 316L AM parts processed using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) also referred to as selective laser melting (SLM). Two sets of varied process parameters were examined as well as different build orientations. Laser scan speed and point-to-point distance are shown to have influenced the high strain rate mechanical properties of 316L AM parts. Additionally, both wrought and SLM produced 316L showed strain rate sensitivity (hardening) at strain rates of 103 s1, but this effect was more pronounced in the wrought material. Findings from this study can be used to determine appropriate part orientations and AM process parameters and their influence on the high strain rate behaviour and impact performance of L-PBF AM parts.