Study of corrosion resistance of AISI 316L samples produced by Additive Manufacturing

As a number of studies have already proven, metal parts manufactured through Additive Manufacturing (AM) show mechanical properties comparable to those of components produced by traditional methods. This applies for several metallic materials, both with regard to static stress resistance and fatigue strength. On the other hand, other properties, as the physicochemical ones, are still under evaluation. This work belongs to this research field since aimed at collecting data concerning the corrosion behaviour of AISI 316L samples manufactured, using pre-alloyed powders, through Laser Metal Fusion (LSM). In order to pursue the objectives of the investigation, the samples were subjected in the 'as printed' state to corrosion resistance tests through polarisation and Electrochemical Impedence Spectroscopy (EIS). In addition, the microstructures of "as printed" samples and samples surfaces before and after the electrochemical tests were characterised by Light Optical Microscopy (LOM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with microprobe for Energy Dispersive X ray Fluorescence (SEM-EDS).