Observations on the influence of process and corrosion related defects on the fatigue strength of 316L stainless steel manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF)

This paper focuses on the relationship between fatigue performance and presence of process or corrosion related defects for a 316L stainless steel manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion. The responses three batches (polished, pre-corroded with an Electric Discharge Machined (EDM) defect) were investigated. A good correlation Murakami’s area parameter strength was observed. Defect morphology does not seem to be important factor crack initiation as ellipsoidal pits, hemispherical EDM flat lacks fusion, although very different in terms shape, are just harmful at equivalent sizes.