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A plate-shaped 316 L stainless steel, fabricated using directed energy deposition, was characterised using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. The microstructure shows relatively consistent morphology throughout different layer heights, with only minor variations in crystallographic texture. However, significantly high overall dislocation densities (~10 14 m −2 ), indicating substantial plastic deformation during the additive manufacturing process were identified. The extent of plastic deformation, and consequently the dislocation density, showed significant regional variation. Plastic deformation was most pronounced in the bottom layers, where deposition began, followed by the top layers; the mid region exhibited comparatively lower levels. This trend correlates with observed variations in residual stress and cooling rates. • The microstructure of additively manufactured Stainless Steel 316 L were analysed. • The study found significant variations in plastic deformation at different build layer heights. • Data analysis indicates relationship between plastic deformation and residual stress based on additive layer height.
Cai et al. (Wed,) studied this question.