Work

Impact of Aggressive Environments and Processing Orientation on the Mechanical Performance of L-PBF 316L Stainless Steel

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study addresses the limited understanding of how build orientation and aggressive environments jointly affect the mechanical reliability of L-PBF 316L stainless steel. Specimens were fabricated in vertical, edge, and flat orientations and exposed for 360 h to 1 M H2SO4, 3.5 wt.% NaCl, and dry air oxidation at 800 °C. Tensile tests and microstructural analyses revealed strong anisotropy: edge and flat builds showed higher tensile and yield strength, while vertical builds exhibited greater ductility. Aqueous environments caused surface degradation and moderate strength loss, most severe in vertical samples. High-temperature oxidation induced σ-phase precipitation, increasing tensile strength (~20%) but reducing ductility and yield strength. These findings highlight the critical role of building orientation and service conditions in ensuring long-term performance of L-PBF 316L stainless steel.

Source: Metals

DOI: 10.3390/met16010086

Authors: Najib Abu-warda, Javier Bedmar, Sonia García-Rodríguez, Belén Torres, Joaquin Rams

Institution: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Language: English

Topic: Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos