Effects of Full Chain Processes on the Performance of 316L Stainless Steel Composite by Fused Deposition Modeling and Sintering

Fused deposition modeling and sintering (FDMS) is a novel 3D printing technique that combines fused deposition modeling with catalytic debinding and sintering processes to enable the rapid production of metal parts with low energy consumption and costs. Firstly, a 316L/POM composite filament is prepared. Subsequently, test specimens are printed using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer, followed by catalytic debinding and sintering processes to create dense metal parts. The process parameters show an influence on the part structure and, subsequently, the properties, and this study examines the microstructural characteristics of the 316L/POM composite filament at each process stage. Using tensile strength as the indicator, an orthogonal experiment is designed to identify suitable combinations of process parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that the FDMS process can manufacture 316L stainless steel parts; moreover, they influence the structure and, consequently, the mechanical behavior, as these are strongly related. By appropriately adjusting the process parameters, this method can be suitable for applications requiring functional parts with less stringent strength requirements.