The Influence of Scanning Speed on the Multiple Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser Melting Stainless Steel

Abstract

This study systematically evaluates the tensile strength, impact strength, and microhardness of 316L stainless steel fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) at varying scanning speeds. The results are also compared with those of traditionally forged 316L stainless steel. The experimental findings indicate that SLM samples exhibit superior ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and microhardness due to the finer microstructure produced by the rapid cooling rates inherent in SLM processes. However, the increased porosity in SLM samples leads to a reduced elongation to failure and impact toughness compared to traditionally forged 316L stainless steel. Among the SLM samples, those fabricated at higher scanning speeds show higher porosity, resulting in lower impact toughness and a tendency toward brittle fracture. Despite this, there are no significant difference in ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, or microhardness between samples produced at different scanning speeds. This study enhances our understanding of the microstructure and multiple mechanical properties of SLM materials, laying a practical foundation for further research on their applications.