Study on the optimization of additive manufacturing process parameters to fabricate high density STS316L alloy and its tensile properties

To optimize the process parameters of laser powder bed fusion process to fabricate the high density STS316L alloy, the effect of laser power, scanning speed and hatching distance on the relative density was studied. Tensile properties of additively manufactured STS316L alloy using optimized parameters was also evaluated according to the build direction. As a result of additive manufacturing process under the energy density of 55.6 J/mm3, 83.3 J/mm3 and 111.1 J/mm3, high density STS316L specimens was suitably fabricated when the energy density, power and scan speed were 83.3 J/mm 3, 225W and 1000 mm/s, respectively. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation of STS316L specimens in direction perpendicular to the build direction, show the most competitive values. Anisotropic shape of the pores and the lack of fusion defects probably caused strain localization which result in deterioration of tensile properties.