Design and development of SS316L-IN718 functionally graded materials via laser powder bed fusion

In this study, the capability of the standard laser powder bed fusion process for the fabrication of SS316L-IN718 functionally graded materials with different designs was investigated. In addition to the successful demonstration of producing dense parts with minimal defects, the gradual evolution of the solidification structure from cellular to the dendritic, the smooth distribution of constituent elements, and the orientation and grain growth in the build direction were analyzed and discussed. Finally, we report that the gradient design with a 50 wt% mixed intermediate zone and optimum processing condition showed the best mechanical properties with a tensile strength of about 610 MPa and 31.5 % total elongation.