Remarkably enhanced corrosion performance of 316 L stainless steel via laser powder bed fusion thin-layer deposition

This study addresses the demand for on-demand repair and surface modification of conventional materials using advanced technology like laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). The swift repair and enhancement of 316 L stainless steel surfaces are essential for various applications, especially in corrosive environments where component reliability and longevity are critical. This work aims to explore the improved corrosion properties of conventional 316 L using L-PBF by depositing a limited number of layers. It has been found that with a single- and double-layer deposition the corrosion resistance is improved significantly compared to that of the conventional 316 L. The pitting resistance of the 6-layer L-PBF deposit is comparable to the bulk counterpart.