2:20 PM - 2:40 PM
[16A-T7-21] Effect of Shot Peening and Its Parameters on Surface Quality, Microstructure and Hardness of 316L Stainless Steel Fabricated by Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
Keywords:Mechanical surface treatment, Austenitic stainless steel, 3D printing
Material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEX) has garnered significant interest for its cost-efficiency, simplicity, and safety. However, MEX parts often exhibit low surface quality characterised by a staircase surface. Shot peening, a practical and effective mechanical surface treatment, has the potential to significantly enhance both surface quality and mechanical properties. This study seeks to explore the impact of shot peening and its various parameters on 316L stainless steel parts fabricated using MEX, focusing on surface quality, microstructure, hardness, and wear performance. MEX parts were produced using Desktop Metal Studio System, and the shot peening process utilised 304 stainless steel media with two different sizes (60 µm and 200 µm) and pressures of 2, 4 and 6 bar. Surface quality was assessed through surface roughness measurements, while microstructure was analysed using XRD and SEM. Mechanical properties, specifically microhardness distribution, were also determined as part of the investigation.