Austenitic stainless steels manufacturing by laser powder bed fusion technique

In this paper we report about the possibility to process stainless steels by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) systems. Austenitic stainless steels are analysed showing the possibility to successfully process them, targeting different applications. In particular, it is shown that stainless steels can be successfully processed and their mechanical behaviour allow them to be put in service. Porosities inside manufactured components are extremely low and comparable to conventionally processed materials. Mechanical performances are even higher than standard requirements. Micro surface roughness typical of the as-built material can act as crack initiator, reducing the strength in both quasi-static and dynamic conditions.