Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Study of ss316l Manufactured by Powder Bed Fusion

Additive technology is filling the technological and economical gap from conventional manufacturing methods. ss316l is the most appropriate material for applications in strategic industries due to its enhanced corrosion properties like sensitization and toughness even at very low temperatures. Thus, exploring the mechanical properties and characterization of this material by additive manufacturing method can give an insight into its usability and applications. This paper focuses on the experimental study of ss316l obtained by Laser powder bed fusion techniques, which is one of the additive manufacturing processes. Mechanical properties were investigated by microhardness, residual stress and tensile tests in as printed and heat treated conditions. Metallurgical characterization was performed by optical microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope to investigate the microstructure with low and high magnifications corresponding Edx elemental analysis was examined and x-ray defragmentation was studied, revealing the presence of an FCC crystal structure in all as-built and heat-treated conditions. The experimental results were validated with finite element modeling.