Safe use of additive manufactured stainless steel products in corrosive environments- AMCO

Important results from the project

An investigation has successfully been performed of how the corrosion properties of additive manufactured (AM) stainless steel (SS) (316L and 2507) are influenced by post processing by heat and/or surface treatment. The results have been compared to those of conventional SS and a qualitative model has been proposed. The model describes the relationship between corrosion properties, AM microstructure and AM processing conditions. These results are applicable for suggesting relevant corrosion test methods for the AM SS material examined in this work.

Expected long term effects

In addition to a detailed report covering the results, guidelines have also been developed for: Corrosion testing of the two SS grades evaluated in the study. Here, the parameters for test objects is described as well as test protocols for corrosion testing according to standard and prediction in alkaline and acidic environments, representative of medical, food and marine applications. Post-processing operations for improving the corrosion resistance and to create awareness of the risk for deteriorated corrosion performance when post-processing is optimised for other purposes.

Approach and implementation

Corrosion testing representative of both laboratory and field trials were performed on two AM SS grades and results were compared to those of conventionally manufactured material. The corrosion resistance of AM SS material that had been subject to post-processing by heat or surface treatment was compared to that of as-built material. Detailed microstructural studies of the materials were performed before and after corrosion testing.