Mechanical properties of carburized 316L stainless steel lattice

The effect of low-pressure carburizing (LPC) on the mechanical properties of open cellular structures was studied by taking the 316L stainless steel body-centred cubic (BCC) lattice fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) as an example. The mechanical properties of the corresponding solid material and the microstructure of the carburized layer were also analyzed. The results showed that the depth of the carburized layer was about 450μm, composed of three sub-layers. After carburized, the yield strength of the 316L solid was obviously decreased accompanied by the reduced elongation at break. The embrittlement was also reflected in the carburized lattice so that the fracture occurred and the energy absorption capacity weakened. Simultaneously, the compressive proof strength of the lattice was improved after low-pressure carburizing due to the toughness inherent in the structure.