Stainless steel 316L for 3D printing applications

Stainless steel 316L, a highly representative austenitic stainless steel. It has emerged in the field of 3D printing materials in recent years. Attracting widespread attention for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength and good biocompatibility, SUN-YEE TECH hereby discusses the material properties, introduces in detail the background of its application in the field of 3D printing. And analyzes its unique characteristics in depth.

Material properties of stainless steel 316L

Stainless steel 316L, known as UNS S31603 or EN 1.4404, is a molybdenum-containing stainless steel material. The main components include iron, chromium, nickel, molybdenum and small amounts of manganese, silicon, carbon and other elements. Its chromium content is about 16%-18%, nickel content is between 10%-14%, and molybdenum content is about 2%. It is the presence of molybdenum that gives it excellent resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and chloride ion stress corrosion cracking. It also enhances its resistance to oxidizing and reducing media at high temperatures.

Applications in 3D printing

Stainless steel 316L has become an ideal choice in 3D printing technology, especially in metal additive manufacturing technologies such as selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM). Due to its excellent molding properties and mechanical properties, it can be used to print a variety of complex structural parts, which are widely used in many industries, such as aerospace, medical devices, petrochemicals, and food processing. Especially in the biomedical field, it is used to print human implants, such as hip joints and dental restorations, due to its excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.

316L stainless steel material properties

1. Corrosion resistance:

High corrosion resistance, especially for seawater, organic acids, alkalis, salts and many inorganic compounds show good resistance. This makes the printed products in a variety of harsh environments can still maintain a good service life.

2. High Strength and Heat Resistance:

After 3D printing, the overall strength and hardness can still be maintained at a high level. Although there may be some differences in the microstructure. At the same time, it has good high temperature strength and lasting strength, which is suitable for use in high temperature environments.

3. Biocompatibility:

316L stainless steel implanted in the human body for a long time will not cause significant rejection, and is not prone to allergies. Therefore, it is widely used in the field of medical implants.

4. Excellent printing performance:

316L stainless steel powder is easy to melt, and after cooling and solidification of the microstructure is uniform and dense, which is conducive to ensuring the mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy of 3D printed parts.

5. Green and environmentally friendly:

In the production and use of the process of generating less waste, in line with the modern industrial pursuit of the concept of sustainable development.