Microstructure and Mechanical Properties Comparison of 316L Parts Produced by Different Additive Manufacturing Processes

316L stainless steel alloy is well known for its corrosion resistance and combination of strength and ductility. By using direct metal additive manufacturing, 316L parts can be produced with volumes and complexity that were previously unachievable. Three of the major metal additive manufacturing technologies – binder jetting, electron beam melting, and selective laser melting – produce SS316L parts, but with different material properties and microstructures. This paper will examine the microstructure and mechanical properties differences between parts produced by the three methods and discuss recent advances to improve microstructure and mechanical performance of metallic alloy parts produced by additive manufacturing.