Microstructure-Property Relationships in Powder Bed Fusion of Type 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel

Additive manufacturing (AM) includes a diverse suite of innovative manufacturing processes for producing near-net shape metallic components, typically from powder or wire. Reported mechanical properties of materials produced by these processes varies significantly and can usually be correlated with the relative porosity in the materials. In this study, relatively simple test components were manufactured from type 304L austenitic stainless steel by powder bed fusion (PBF). The quality of the components depends on a host of manufacturing parameters as well as the characteristics of the feedstock. In this study, the focus is the bulk material response. Tensile properties are reported for PBF type 304L produced in similar build geometries on two different machines with independent operators. Additionally, the effect of hydrogen on the tensile properties of the AM materials is evaluated. The goal of this study is to provide a benchmark for tensile properties of PBF 304L material in the context of wrought type 304L, and to make a preliminary assessment of the effects of hydrogen on tensile properties.