316L Stainless Steel Parts | SLM Metal 3D Printing

Material Properties

316L stainless steel is one of the most widely used corrosion-resistant alloys in metal additive manufacturing. The addition of molybdenum significantly improves resistance to chlorides, humidity, steam, and chemically aggressive environments. Combined with SLM (Selective Laser Melting) technology, 316L enables the production of complex metal components with excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, and reliable mechanical performance.

Property Value
Material 316L Stainless Steel
Manufacturing Process SLM (Selective Laser Melting)
Build Volume 390 × 290 × 390 mm
Dimensional Accuracy ±0.3 mm or ±0.4%
Recommended Wall Thickness 2 mm
Minimum Feature Size 1.5 mm
Hardness 13–15 HRC
Ultimate Tensile Strength 650 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2%) 550 MPa
Elongation at Break 45%

Why 316L Stainless Steel

316L stainless steel is widely used for functional metal parts that require corrosion resistance, mechanical reliability, and long service life. Compared with standard stainless steels, 316L offers improved resistance to moisture, chemicals, weak acids, and saline environments, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications.

Key advantages include:

  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • High ductility and toughness
  • Good mechanical strength
  • Suitable for complex geometries
  • Excellent performance in humid and chemical environments
  • Ideal for functional prototypes and end-use components

Typical Applications

  • Industrial Equipment
  • Fluid Handling Systems
  • Marine Components
  • Food Processing Equipment
  • Medical Devices
  • Chemical Processing Equipment
  • Functional Metal Prototypes
  • Low Volume Production Parts

Project Information

Technology

  • SLM

Material

  • 316L Stainless Steel

Color

  • Natural Stainless Steel

Application

  • Functional Metal Components
  • Corrosion Resistant Parts
  • Industrial Equipment
  • Low Volume Manufacturing

Project Overview

A customer required several functional mechanical components manufactured in 316L stainless steel.

The parts included gear-shaped components and precision clevis brackets featuring internal cavities and detailed geometries that would be difficult and costly to machine conventionally.

SLM metal 3D printing was selected to reduce lead time, eliminate tooling requirements and enable rapid production of fully functional parts.


Manufacturing Process

Technology:
SLM Metal 3D Printing

Material:
316L Stainless Steel

Surface Finish:
Support Removal
Manual Grinding
Vibratory Tumbling
Electropolishing


Design Challenges

• Fine gear teeth geometry

• Internal cavities and narrow openings

• Functional mounting holes

• Surface finish requirements

• Small batch production

The components were reviewed and prepared for additive manufacturing using professional build preparation software.

Part orientation and build layout were optimized to achieve dimensional accuracy, reduce support requirements and improve overall production efficiency.

CAD Design & Build Preparation

 

 

Final 316L Stainless Steel Components

After SLM printing, the parts underwent support removal, manual grinding, vibratory tumbling and electropolishing.

The final components achieved improved surface quality while maintaining the functional geometry required for assembly and testing.

Packaging & Delivery

Parts were inspected, packaged and prepared for delivery to the customer.

Protective packaging was used to prevent damage during international transportation.

Project Information

Technology:
SLM Metal 3D Printing

Material:
316L Stainless Steel

Post Processing:
Support Removal
Manual Grinding
Vibratory Tumbling
Electropolishing

Applications:
Functional Prototypes
Mechanical Components
Low-Volume Production

Benefits:
Complex Geometry
Rapid Manufacturing
No Tooling Required
Improved Surface Finish