Microstructure and Tribological Response of Selective Laser Melted AISI 316L Stainless Steel: The Role of Severe Surface Deformation

This study investigates the effect of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) (a severe surface-deformation process) on microstructure and tribological behavior AISI 316L steel samples manufactured using selective laser melting (SLM) technique. The specimens are built in different directions (0°, 45°, 90°). annealed SLM shows non-uniform distribution random orientation grains. It contains high-angle grain boundaries a high density dislocations. average size is about 63, 51, 41 μm for 0°, 90° build direction, respectively. SMAT beneficial to reduce roughness (by ~ 87%) eliminate internal porosity. deformed layer highly dense network slip bands, distortion grains, hardness gradient (up depth 600 μm). Increase due maximum (~ 54%) sample having direction. Typical observation deformation-induced martensite absent SMAT-processed steel. Under higher load (especially, 20 N), response direction superior amongst non-treated samples. Severe deformation enhances wear resistance reduces COF