Structure and mechanical properties of austenitic 316L steel produced by selective laser melting

The mechanical properties and the impact toughness of austenitic 316L steel produced by selective laser melting at a laser power of 175–190 W have been studied. It is shown that the selective laser melting method makes it possible to significantly increase the strength properties of the steel with some decrease in the ductility and the impact toughness as compared to those of the steel produced by a traditional technology. The laser power influences insignificantly. The methods of making notches and its orientation is found to influence the impact toughness.