Fused filament fabrication of Stainless Steel 316L: Investigation on effect of printing parameters on microstructural and mechanical strength of sintered part
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The fabrication of metal components by powder bed fusion and direct energy deposition is time-and energy-consuming and expensive.The filament extrusion AM-based technique uses a unique metal feedstock that combines a multi-component binder with sinterable metal powders, followed by de-binding and sintering to produce metal components at an affordable price.The polymeric binder is essential component for a successful fabrication part and to maintain its mechanical strength.This study describes the fabrication of stainless steel 316L (SS316L) components using the fused deposition modelling technique (FFFm) through a number of optimisation phases.The study also includes the investigation of possible influence of FFFm operating parameters (layer thickness (LT), layer shell (LS), and filament flow %) on the density, porosity, and mechanical properties of 3D printed SS316L parts.The structure, macrostructure, and mechanical characteristics of the FFFm 3D printed components (tensile test, flexural test, and microhardness) were investigated.A proper fusion between layers, complete fusion without oxidation, and the absence of flaws and undesirable geometries have all been validated by macrostructure at various zones.The results of tensile and flexural components produced with different operating parameters come within a range of values that are similar to the value of wrought SS316L.The part produced with 0.15 mm LT, a 4-LS, and a 120-filament flow% showed the highest UTS and elongation at break values of 464.1 MPa and 42% respectively and also, it exhibits maximum density.The specimen printed with 0.25 mm LT, a 2-LS, and 100 filament flow% had the lowest UTS and elongation at break values of 409.9 MPa and 37% respectively.Large dimples near to one another and layer delamination for the greater layer thickness were found in the SEM analysis of fractured tensile and fracture impact test specimen data.Thus, the as-built multi-layered structure's outstanding ductility was clearly demonstrated by the findings.Large dimples near to one another and layer delamination for the greater layer thickness were found in the SEM analysis of fractured tensile and fracture impact test specimen data.Thus, the as-built multi-layered structure's outstanding ductility was clearly demonstrated by the findings
Authors: SAGAR M BALIGIDAD, BATLURI TILAK CHANDRA, GIRISH S M
Institution: CMR University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4405651971