Study on properties of AISI 316L produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion for high energy physics applications

Nowadays Additive Manufacturing (AM) is catching on and spreading across various fields at an astonishing rate. High energy physics, where materials are often exposed to special environmental conditions, is also starting to use this technology. The aim of this paper is to compare traditional and 3D printed stainless steel AISI 316L products with an eye turned to the specific high energy applications environment. The manufactured samples are subjected to different heat treatments, including vacuum firing, as this thermal treatment is usually adopted for ultra-vacuum applications and cryogenic. Experimental tests are carried out on a set of samples to analyse the material composition and to assess properties such as mechanical performance in cryogenic application, high magnetic fields and ultra-vacuum compatibility. Such analysis of the material behaviour allows weakness and strength of the technology to be identified, compared to traditional AISI 316L.