Experimental investigation on implications of SLM-based 3D printing parameters on the grain morphology, phase formation, fracture deformation, and mechanical properties of 316 L stainless steel: finite element analysis and parametric optimizations

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发表日期：

2025年7月18日

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Nagendra Kumar Maurya,
Ambuj Saxena,
Shashi Prakash Dwivedi,
N. Beemkumar,
Sachin Dhull,
Shubham Sharma,
Ankit Kedia,
V. K. Bupesh Raja,
Abinash Mahapatro,
Deepak Gupta

摘要

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a widely used rapid prototyping technique known for its versatility in producing complex metal components. Due to the growing adoption of SLM for fabricating complex and high-performance metal components, there is a critical need to understand how process parameters affect the mechanical properties of 316 L stainless steel, as even minor variations can lead to significant differences in material performance and structural integrity. Present study aims to enhance the tensile strength of steel 316 L by optimizing the process parameters; scan speed (800 mm/s, 900 mm/s, 1000 mm/s, 1100 mm/s), (laser power (180 W, 190 W, 200 W, 210 W), hatch spacing (90 μm, 100 μm, 110 μm,120 μm) and layer thickness (20 μm, 30 μm, 40 μm, 40 μm). Taguchi orthogonal array L16 was employed to relate the process parameters with tensile strength and evaluate the optimal settings. Microstructural investigation was carried out by using SEM, and EDS elemental mapping. Further, fractography analysis was carried out to predict the modes of failure of the printed component. Minitab software was used for the analysis of result. ANOVA analysis revealed that all the process parameters are significant. A multi variable regression model in terms of process variable was developed for the forecasting the result. Optimum level of process parameters for tensile strength was found to be laser power (210 W), scan speed (800 mm/s), hatch space (90 μm) and layer thickness (20 μm). Optimum level of process parameters for hardness was found to be laser power (210 W), scan speed (1100 mm/s), hatch space (90 μm) and layer thickness (20 μm). Fractography analysis depicted that ductile nature of failure occurs in the printed component. Finally, a finite element analysis was also performed for the sample which have maximum tensile strength and the results were compared with the experimental result.