The effect of processing parameters on formability of 3D printed AISI 316L

The formability of 3D printed (SLM) AISI 316L stainless steel with three different process parameters was studied using Erichsen tests and bending tests. Parameter selection for 3D printing was made using approximately 50 different melting parameters and from those, three interesting parameters were chosen for mechanical testing based on the microstructural analysis. Printed specimens were tested in stress relieved condition. Erichsen tests with 3 mm thick flat specimens were carried out using an instrumented hydraulic loading machine to record the force-displacement values. The same loading machine was also used to determine the tensile properties of the selected structures according to the standard EN 10002-1 using a mechanical extensometer. Also, the bending tests with 3 mm thick flat specimens were carried out with same machine using three-point bending tools. Same tests were performed for AISI 316L sheet metal reference material. The results showed that the formability of the printed specimens is depended on the printing parameters, i.e. porosity, chemical homogeneity and microstructure. Lower energy density during printing increased mechanical properties and formability even with increased porosity.The formability of 3D printed (SLM) AISI 316L stainless steel with three different process parameters was studied using Erichsen tests and bending tests. Parameter selection for 3D printing was made using approximately 50 different melting parameters and from those, three interesting parameters were chosen for mechanical testing based on the microstructural analysis. Printed specimens were tested in stress relieved condition. Erichsen tests with 3 mm thick flat specimens were carried out using an instrumented hydraulic loading machine to record the force-displacement values. The same loading machine was also used to determine the tensile properties of the selected structures according to the standard EN 10002-1 using a mechanical extensometer. Also, the bending tests with 3 mm thick flat specimens were carried out with same machine using three-point bending tools. Same tests were performed for AISI 316L sheet metal reference material. The results showed that the formability of the printed specimens is dep...