Effect of solution treatment on creep response of additively manufactured AISI316L

This study investigated the short-term creep response of AISI 316L stainless steel produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and annealed at 1050 °C. At test temperatures of 600 and 650 °C, the minimum creep rate’s dependence on stress and temperature was found to be equivalent to that of wrought materials. Compared to as-deposited steel, annealing increased both the minimum creep rate and total strain to rupture. However, the time to rupture for the LPBF material was approximately half that of wrought steel. Fractures were consistently intergranular, caused by premature damage nucleating from pre-existing cavities formed during the additive manufacturing process. The findings conclude that strictly controlling production defects is vital for additive manufacturing to achieve a creep response comparable to traditional wrought materials after annealing.