Metal additive manufacturing (AM) facilitates the production of complex geometries with enhanced functionality. Among various AM techniques, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is distinguished by its precision and exceptional mechanical properties achieved via laser fusion deposition. Recent advancements in AM have focused on combining LPBF with post-processing methods such as cold rolling, high-pressure torsion, and forming processes. Therefore, understanding the forming behavior of LPBF-processed materials is essential for industrial adoption. This study investigates the stretch-flangeability of LPBF-fabricated 316L stainless steel, emphasizing its anisotropic microstructure and mechanical properties. Hole expansion tests were employed to assess stretch-flangeability in comparison to wrought 316L stainless steel. The results demonstrate that LPBF-processed samples exhibit significant anisotropic behavior, demonstrating the influence of microstructural evolution on formability. These findings contribute valuable insights into optimizing LPBF materials for industrial forming applications.

1. Introduction
2. Experimental
    2.1. Fabrication
    2.2. Microstructural analysis
    2.3. Mechanical tests
3. Results and Discussion
    3.1. Microstructure
    3.2. Mechanical properties
4. Conclusion
Funding
Conflict of Interest
Data Availability Statement
Author Information and Contribution
Acknowledgments
References

• Rae Eon Kim(Graduate Institute of Ferrous & Eco Materials Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea)
• Yeon Taek Choi(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea)
• Do Won Lee(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea)
• Sang Guk Jeong(Tohoku University Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Sendai Miyagi 980-8577, Japan)
• Hyoung Seop Kim(Graduate Institute of Ferrous & Eco Materials Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea, Tohoku University Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Sendai Miyagi 980-8577, Japan) Corresponding author