Corrosion of Additively Manufactured Stainless Steels—Process, Structure, Performance: A Review

The corrosion of additively manufactured (AM) metallic materials, such as stainless steels (SS), is a critical factor for their qualification and reliable use. This review assesses the emerging knowledgebase of powder-based laser AM SS corrosion and environmentally assisted cracking (EAC). The origins of AM-unique material features and their hierarchal impact on corrosion and EAC are addressed relative to conventionally processed SS. The effects of starting material, heat treatment, and surface finishing are substantively discussed. An assessment of the current status of AM corrosion research, scientific gaps, and research needs with greatest impact for AM SS advancement and qualification is provided.