Recrystallization kinetics in 3D printed 316L stainless steel

During operation, many 3D printed components are likely to be exposed to external strains and/or high temperatures. However, the thermomechanical behaviours, e.g. plastic deformation and recrystallization, have not been thoroughly analysed, and are interesting to study because of the complex microstructure introduced by 3D printing. In the present work, the microstructural evolution and change in hardness during plastic deformation and recrystallization have been characterized in austenitic stainless steel 316L samples manufactured by laser powder bed fusion. The focus is on the recrystallization kinetics in both the as-printed and the plastically deformed state. It is discussed how these results compare to results for conventionally manufactured samples. The present study suggests that the inhomogeneity of 3D printed samples significantly affects the recrystallization behaviour.