Impact of Powder Reuse, Laser Scanning Strategies and Heat Treatment on the Microstructure, Mechanical, and Electrochemical Properties of LPBF 316 L Stainless Steel
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Impact of Powder Reuse, Laser Scanning Strategies and Heat Treatment on the Microstructure, Mechanical, and Electrochemical Properties of LPBF 316 L Stainless Steel
Impact of Powder Reuse, Laser Scanning Strategies and Heat Treatment on the Microstructure, Mechanical, and Electrochemical Properties of LPBF 316 L Stainless Steel
Journal Title:
International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology
Huang, T., Wei, Y., Yi, S., Fuh, J. Y. H., & Lee, H. P. (2026). Impact of Powder Reuse, Laser Scanning Strategies and Heat Treatment on the Microstructure, Mechanical, and Electrochemical Properties of LPBF 316 L Stainless Steel. International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40684-026-00854-0
Abstract:
Despite considerable research on 316 L powder reuse, the impact of recycling on the corrosion resistance of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 316 L stainless steel—particularly with respect to powder handling and scanning strategies—remains insufficiently understood. This study systematically investigates the evolution of microstructure, mechanical performance, and electrochemical behavior of LPBF 316 L over fifteen powder reuse cycles, evaluating the effects of two laser scanning strategies (30° and 67°), increased powder drying frequency, and post-build heat treatment. Both hardness and ductility progressively declined with repeated reuse, accompanied by gradual increases in porosity and oxygen content. Vacuum powder drying significantly improved surface roughness, mechanical properties, and porosity during early reuse cycles, but its efficacy diminished as particle size increased with prolonged reuse. The 67° scanning strategy consistently provided superior outcomes, including reduced surface roughness, enhanced tensile strength and ductility, and improved property stability, particularly after ten reuse cycles. In contrast, heat treatment resulted in a marked decrease in microhardness and passivation capability, attributed to reduced dislocation density and a less protective oxide film. Notable anisotropy in porosity and corrosion potential was observed, with vertical sections exhibiting higher porosity and greater corrosion susceptibility; this effect was mitigated by the 67° scanning strategy. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of integrating powder management, scanning strategy, and post-processing to sustain the quality and corrosion resistance of LPBF 316 L components during extended powder reuse. Adoption of vacuum drying in early reuse and higher scan rotation angles for prolonged use are recommended to maintain desirable part properties.
License type:
Publisher Copyright
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - Manufacturing, Trade, and Connectivity Industry Alignment Fund- Pre-Positioning (IAF-PP) - Metal Am Powders: Reusability, Rejuvenation, Cost, Quality & Performance (RRAMP)
Grant Reference no. : M22K7a0047
Description:
This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40684-026-00854-0.