"Identifying the Causes of Pitting Corrosion in 3D-Printed Stainless Steel"

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have identified tiny particles called "slags" as the culprits behind pitting corrosion in 3D-printed stainless steel 316L in seawater. These slags, produced during the 3D printing process, remain at the metal's surface and initiate pitting corrosion, allowing chloride-rich water to penetrate the steel and cause damage. By understanding the mechanisms behind this corrosion, the study paves the way for developing improved materials and manufacturing techniques to create stainless steel components that are highly resistant to the corrosive forces of seawater, with implications extending beyond marine applications.