Project description: The oxygen content of LB-PBF SS316 material its typically much higher than wrought or HIP SS316. This high oxygen content can be traced back to the raw material supply. Improved methods of powder production could potentially enable starting powder oxygen content to be reduced significantly. Conversely, new LB-PBF hardware can recover powder currently wasted during the process that may have an increased oxygen content. This project aims to understand the impact of oxygen content on heat treatment, microstructure, fatigue performance and fracture toughness.

Funding Duration: 4 years

Project description: The oxygen content of LB-PBF SS316 material its typically much higher than wrought or HIP SS316. This high oxygen content can be traced back to the raw material supply. Improved methods of powder production could potentially enable starting powder oxygen content to be reduced significantly. Conversely, new LB-PBF hardware can recover powder currently wasted during the process that may have an increased oxygen content. This project aims to understand the impact of oxygen content on heat treatment, microstructure, fatigue performance and fracture toughness.

Funding Duration: 4 years