Subsurface microstructure versus surface topography: Impact on the fatigue strength of stress-relieved Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) 316L parts

Key Points

• Fatigue strength is significantly affected by both subsurface microstructure and surface topography.
• Microstructural differences lead to variations in fatigue performance observed in 316L parts.
• Assessment using laser powder bed fusion processes to study material characteristics.
• Understanding these effects may improve the performance of parts made via additive manufacturing.