Anisotropy of Mechanical Properties and its Correlation with the Structure of the Stainless Steel 316L Produced by the SLM Method

Standard specimens made of austenitic stainless steel powder 316L were produced by the SLM method. Studies of the mechanical properties showed a strong dependence on the parameters of powder melting and the direction of specimens building. It is stated that the yield strength and tensile strength are higher than that of a stainless steel specimens obtained by traditional technology, and virtually independent of the direction of the specimens building. Impact strength and elongation, conversely, differ almost two times. The surface has a viscous character of destruction for all the specimens. Analysis of the structure by EBSD method revealed texture presence and coinciding major axis of grains with building direction. Comparison of strength properties and structure parameters allows associating the anisotropy of mechanical properties with the anisotropy of the structure. These results are important for taking into account the anisotropy of the mechanical properties while designing a particular item.