A hybrid directed energy deposition process to manipulate microstructure and properties of austenitic stainless steel

Owing to the relatively lower dimensional accuracy and poorer surface finish compared other additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, directed energy deposition (DED) yields parts that often require extensive post-processing. Thus, it is well suited be combined with subtractive or deformation processes into hybrid strategies, which may enable microstructure engineering of near-net-shape directly upon production. In this work, we use a custom-made machine combines DED single point incremental forming (SPIF) produce samples stainless steel 316L are amenable undergo recrystallization heat treatment. After recrystallization, exhibits high density twin boundaries, known enhance physical mechanical properties alloys. We investigate how different SPIF parameters affect extent find our strategy used both gradient “sandwich” microstructures, integrate dissimilar grain boundary character distributions structures. assess corrosion resistance such discuss resulting performance enhancement. Our results showcase new opportunities for components lay groundwork design AM metal