Authors:
Kazi Sofia (1), Leach Lindsay (2), Hryha Eduard (1)
1- Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
2- Alfa Laval Technologies AB, Eskilstuna, Sweden
Abstract:
Powder degradation during additive manufacturing poses a significant challenge for achieving optimal part quality as well as maximal powder feedstock utilization and hence economy and sustainability of the process. Stainless steel 316L is a widely utilized material in powder bed fusion – laser beam (PBF-LB) due to its excellent processability, good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of the PBF-LB processed components. This study investigates the influence of 316L powder properties and powder reuse on the powder surface oxide chemistry and hence processability by PBF-LB. Changes in powder surface chemistry were studied by HR SEM and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy in virgin and reused state. Results indicate that there is evident degradation in powder properties during powder re-use with increase in oxygen content in the powder, connected to increase in thickness of iron-base surface oxide layer as well as fraction of Cr-rich particulate oxide phases.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59499/EP246282011
