Microstructural and thermal stability of selective laser melted 316L stainless steel single tracks
To remove residual stresses, an as-built SLM object is usually post- treated. This treatment can affect the microstructure, changing the final mechanical characteristics. This investigation is focused on the microstructural characterisation of 316L austenitic stainless steel in as-built and annealed...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Stellenbosch University
2017-05-01
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| Series: | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://sajie.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/1466 |
| Summary: | To remove residual stresses, an as-built SLM object is usually post- treated. This treatment can affect the microstructure, changing the final mechanical characteristics. This investigation is focused on the microstructural characterisation of 316L austenitic stainless steel in as-built and annealed conditions. The SLM microstructure was relatively stable up to 900°C, when cell boundaries start to disappear. At higher temperatures, an insignificant grain coarsening was detected. These microstructural changes caused a gradual drop in the hardness. The obtained result is background for the future development of post-treatment regimens to achieve a high level in the final mechanical properties of SLM objects. |
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| ISSN: | 1012-277X 2224-7890 |