Effect of Cold Swaging on the Bulk Gradient Structure Formation and Mechanical Properties of a 316-Type Austenitic Stainless Steel

The present study aimed to discover the effect of cold swaging reduction on the bulk gradient structure formation and mechanical properties of a 316-type austenitic stainless steel. The initial rod was subjected to radial swaging until 20–95% reduction of initial rod diameter, at room temperature. According to finite element simulation, higher plastic strain was accumulated in the surface layer compared to the center region during swaging. Microstructural investigations revealed three-stage gradient structure formation in the center and edge regions of the deformed rod. Meanwhile, cold swaging resulted in the development of strong 111ǁBA, 001ǁBA, and weak 111ǁBA texture components in the center and edge, respectively. Significant tensile strengthening was observed after cold swaging. For instance, the yield strength (YS) increased from 820 MPa to 930 MPa after 40–80% reduction respectively, without the loss of ductility (δ–14%). This unique aspect of the mechanical behavior was attributed to the gradient structure of the cold swaged material and explained in detail.