Enhancing Surface Finish of Additive Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel via Laser Surface Remelting

This study optimizes laser polishing of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel to reduce surface roughness. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), optimal parameters were identified and applied to test samples. Initial average roughness of$11.83 \mu \mathrm{m}$was reduced to$1.08 \mu \mathrm{m}$. The selected condition underwent micrographic analysis to examine microstructural changes. Microhardness testing revealed increased surface hardness. Results confirm that optimized laser polishing significantly enhances surface quality and mechanical performance, highlighting its potential as a finishing technique for 316L parts produced via additive manufacturing.