Stress corrosion cracking of 316L manufactured by laser powder bed fusion in 6% ferric chloride solution

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of 316L stainless steel manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) was investigated by slow strain rate tests in 6 wt% FeCl3. The effects of build orientation and surface roughness on the SCC of LPBF 316L were also investigated. LBPF 316L revealed higher uniform elongation compared to wrought 316L. Specimens tested perpendicular to the build direction showed a greater susceptibility to SCC, with cracks propagating along melt pool boundaries with cellular dissolution. The ‘As-built’ LPBF 316 L specimens with higher surface roughness compared to machined (smooth-surfaced) LPBF 316L specimens, also revealed greater SCC susceptibility.