Microstructure programming and defect control in selective laser melted 316L stainless steel lattices

Microstructure programming and defect control in selective laser melted 316L stainless steel lattices | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Microstructure programming and defect control in selective laser melted 316L stainless steel lattices Zhongfa Mao, Zhancheng Gu, Yufeng Xie, Wei Guo, Xiulin Ji This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7406540/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Selective laser melting (SLM) unlocks lightweight potential in 316L stainless steel lattice structures (LSs), yet internal defects and performance heterogeneity persist. This study employs response surface methodology (RSM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to establish quantitative relationship between geometric (forming angle FA, rod diameter RD) and processing parameters (laser power LP, scanning speed SS, hatch spacing HS) on strut quality, and identifies FA and RD as dominant controllers of mass deviation superseding laser parameters. Results reveal a microstructure programming mechanism where FA governs residual stress states and generates in situ functionally graded microstructures through thermocapillary-driven directional solidification, while RD controls solidification morphology and defect type, triggering a transition from equiaxed to columnar through thermal mass-controlled cooling. Furthermore, crystallographic texture becomes controllable where high FA induces texture alignment along the building direction, while large RD enhances texture strength through competitive grain growth. The findings provide an approach for LS fabrication, transitioning from coupled compromise to precision microstructure programming, advancing applications in biomedical implants and aerospace components. 316L stainless steel Lattice Selective laser melting Microstructure Defects Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7406540","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":554874504,"identity":"23d9e5d7-aefd-4a94-b1c2-574e9c8ceb40","order_by":0,"name":"Zhongfa 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