Additive manufacturing of AISI 304L stainless steel: A review of processing parameters and mechanical performance

Additive manufacturing (AM) has become a favorable method for producing 304L stainless steel (SS) for various industrial applications, which is owing to its favorable characteristics including corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, and design flexibility. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of the processing factors along with the mechanical performance of AM-fabricated 304L SS (AM304LSS). Firstly a discussion is provided for the fundamental principles of AM techniques that are common for processing SS304L. This includes selective laser melting (SLM), laser beam powder bed fusion (LB-PBF), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), directed energy deposition (DED), wire-and-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). Subsequently, the impact of key processing factors i.e. laser power, and powder characteristics on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AM304LSS is presented. In addition, this article examines recent progress in process optimization strategies and post-processing techniques for improving and enhancing the mechanical properties and surface finish of AM 304L stainless steel components. Finally, significant insights are provided for researchers, engineers, and practitioners involved in the advancement and application of AM304LSS components.Additive manufacturing (AM) has become a favorable method for producing 304L stainless steel (SS) for various industrial applications, which is owing to its favorable characteristics including corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, and design flexibility. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of the processing factors along with the mechanical performance of AM-fabricated 304L SS (AM304LSS). Firstly a discussion is provided for the fundamental principles of AM techniques that are common for processing SS304L. This includes selective laser melting (SLM), laser beam powder bed fusion (LB-PBF), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), directed energy deposition (DED), wire-and-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). Subsequently, the impact of key processing factors i.e. laser power, and powder characteristics on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AM304LSS is presented. In addition, this article examines recent progress in process optimization strategies and post-processing techniques for improving and enhancing the mechanical properties and surface finish of AM 304L stainless steel components. Finally, significant insights are provided for researchers, engineers, and practitioners involved in the advancement and application of AM304LSS components.

Additive manufacturing of AISI 304L stainless steel: A review of processing parameters and mechanical performance Keywords:

Direct metal laser sintering , 304L stainless steel , Selective laser melting , Directed energy deposition (DED) , Three-dimensional printing