Fabrication of Multi-Layer 316L-TiC Composite by Selective Laser Melting Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

In this study, the microstructure and wear behavior of multilayer 316L stainless steel/TiC composite fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing were investigated. The produced samples consisted of three layers: 316L, 316L-5TiC, and 316L-10TiC (wt%). Microstructural evaluations revealed a homogeneous distribution of TiC particles in the matrix of the composite layers, with no cracks observed at the interfaces between layers, indicating a robust bond between the layers. Wear tests showed that the incorporation of TiC particles enhanced wear resistance, with the composite layer with 10 wt% TiC exhibiting the best wear resistance due to the hardness and reinforcing nature of TiC. Wear mechanisms included abrasive wear and fatigue wear due to fragmentation of TiC particles. The results suggest that SLM manufacturing can potentially be used to produce functionally graded composites for applications requiring high strength and wear resistance.