316L stainless steel with gradient porosity fabricated by selective laser melting

Abstract

To fabricate 316L stainless steel part with a pore gradient structure, the method using selective laser melting (SLM) technique is exploited. Scan tracks feature, densification, and tensile property of SLMproduced samples prepared via different scan speeds were investigated. The results show that the porosity is strongly influenced by scan speed. On this basis, a gradient changed scan speed was applied in every SLM layer for the purpose of producing a gradient porosity metal. The results indicate that the structure exhibits a gradually increased porosity and a reduced molten pool size along the gradient direction of scan speed variation. The forming mechanisms for the gradient porosity were also addressed. © ASM International.