Stiffness of 316L stainless steel support structures proposed for the SLM process

The subject of the article is to compare and evaluate the stiffness of the proposed structures relative to the section of the individual rods. The study is applicable to the additive technology of metal production by the 316L (1.4404) by SLM method. In the SLM process the design supports serves as the transporter of the heat generated in the melting bath to the substrate, the secondary function of the structures is for support the powder layer. The article focuses on the supportive function and weight ratio. A total of 4 structures were designed in iteration with three different rod diameters. During construction, the suitability of structures for the SLM method was determined and then the samples were subjected to a mechanical tensile test and the mechanical properties evaluated. In conclusion the most appropriate structure for the supportive function was identified.