A team of researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Ames National Laboratory, Georgia Tech University, and Oregon State University has found a new way to 3D print a strong and ductile stainless steel; 316L, a low-carbon grade, commonly used in a variety of industries including the marine sector.
All of the teams findings were published in the journal Nature Materials. The whole purpose of the study was to ensure the performance of 3D printed materials is equal to or better than the same material produced by different manufacturing methods. In order to achieve this the team limited the porosity caused during the fusion of metal powders. The group also limited the fragility and optimized the density of the 3D printed stainless steel through experiments and computer modeling as well as altering the materials microstructure.
Our research demonstrates that we can print both strong and ductile stainless steels, whose performance is actually better than the same material made by other manufacturing methods, said LLNL materials scientist and lead author Morris Wang.
The findings from this study could result in the widespread 3D printing of stainless steel components in the aerospace, automotive, and oil & gas industries. All of these industries require strong and durable materials in order to withstand extreme force in harsh environments.
Photo & source courtesy of The University Network