Direct laser deposition of 316L stainless steel

Laser assisted fabrication is a technique that utilizes high-power lasers to melt materials in the form of a powder or wire and controlled deposition of the molten metal in a layer-by layer fashion to produce a pre-determined shape. In the present study, 316L stainless steel has been fabricated by laser assisted direct metal deposition technique with a high power continuous wave Diode laser using Ar as the shrouding environment. The main process variables were applied power and scan speed. The powder feed rate was maintained constant at 300 mg/s. After fabrication, the surface and cross section of the fabricated components were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Effect of non-equilibrium processing associated with rapid melting and solidification on the phase transformation behavior was undertaken using a detailed X-ray diffraction study. The mechanical and electrochemical properties of the fabricated component were evaluated. Finally, a detailed study of the influence of process parameters on the characteristics and mechanical properties of the fabricated component has been undertaken to optimize the processing zone.