Effects of hot isostatic pressing on the elastic modulus and tensile properties of 316L parts made by powder bed laser fusion

Tensile tests on specimens produced at optimised machine parameters displayed a high degree of anisotropy in the build direction and test variability for as-built parts, especially between vertical and horizontal build directions. The as-built properties were generally found to have a higher yield stress, but lower upper tensile strength and elongation than published data for wrought/hot-rolled plate 316L. The hot isostatically pressed parts showed a homogenisation of the properties across build directions and properties much more akin to those of wrought/hot-rolled 316L, with an increase in elongation and upper tensile strength, and a reduction in yield over the as-built samples.