Laser metal deposition with 316L stainless wire: Macro morphologies and microstructures

Abstract

Laser metal deposition (LMD) with wire as the filler material has demonstrated to be a potential method in addictive manufacturing due to its higher material deposition efficiency, improved surface quality, reduced material wastage and cleaner process environment without metal dust pollution. In this study, single beads samples and block samples of 316L stainless wire were successfully deposited on the surface of 316L stainless steel under optimized depositing conditions using a YLR-4000 S2 CW Fiber Laser, a Fronius MAG arc welding machine and an ABB industrial robot. The macro morphologies, geometric characteristics and microstructures were examined. The influence of process parameters to macro morphologies and geometric characteristics of different samples were carefully studied. A 5*5 block sample was finally deposited with appropriate parameters based on the single bead experiments. The results showed that satisfied single bead samples with smooth surface and high aspect ratio (height-width ratio) can be deposited under appropriate process conditions and parameters during the stable deposit process. Uniform structures of fine equiaxed austenite grains with good metallurgical bonding to the substrate were also obtained. Uniform bond-like microstructures of block samples was also obtained and investigated. All these results will provide guidance for further study of laser metal-wire deposition with large structures.Laser metal deposition (LMD) with wire as the filler material has demonstrated to be a potential method in addictive manufacturing due to its higher material deposition efficiency, improved surface quality, reduced material wastage and cleaner process environment without metal dust pollution. In this study, single beads samples and block samples of 316L stainless wire were successfully deposited on the surface of 316L stainless steel under optimized depositing conditions using a YLR-4000 S2 CW Fiber Laser, a Fronius MAG arc welding machine and an ABB industrial robot. The macro morphologies, geometric characteristics and microstructures were examined. The influence of process parameters to macro morphologies and geometric characteristics of different samples were carefully studied. A 5*5 block sample was finally deposited with appropriate parameters based on the single bead experiments. The results showed that satisfied single bead samples with smooth surface and high aspect ratio (height-width ratio) can...