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Stainless Steel 3D Printing2025-07-14T02:47:21+00:00

Stainless Steel 3D Printing

KingStar Mold provides advanced Stainless Steel 3D printing services, offering high-strength, durable parts for a variety of industries.
  • High-strength stainless steel parts
  • Ideal for functional prototypes and end-use applications
  • Precision 3D printing for complex geometries
stainless steel filament and components

About Stainless Steel for 3D Printing

Stainless steel 3D printing materials stand out for their robust combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and adaptability to additive manufacturing processes. Whether for high-stress industrial parts or components exposed to harsh environments, these alloys balance mechanical performance with printability—their molten flow characteristics and solidification behavior make them well-suited for layer-by-layer fabrication, resulting in dense, reliable parts.
Among them, 316L is a workhorse for its exceptional resistance to moisture, chemicals, and saltwater, making it a go-to for marine, medical, and food-grade applications. 17-4PH, a precipitation-hardening stainless, brings high tensile strength and good corrosion resistance, ideal for aerospace and oilfield components where durability under load is critical.

Stainless Steel 17-4PH

Machanical Properties Overview

ConditionYield Strength Rp0.2 (MPa)Ultimate Tensile Strength RM (MPa)Elongation at Break A (%)Sample Count
As printed, vertical build930 – 9701,020 – 1,07014 – 17150
As printed, horizontal build920 – 960990 – 1,04015 – 1860
Heat treated, vertical build1,220 – 1,2601,340 – 1,3909 – 12150
Heat treated, horizontal build1,190 – 1,2301,320 – 1,3709 – 1260
  • Maximum pore size: typically under 110 µm

  • Measured porosity: around 0.014% (based on 60 samples)

Mechanical tests conducted following DIN EN ISO 6892-1 B10 standards. The listed values are average ranges and can vary due to factors like build orientation, platform temperature, heat input, and part geometry. The manufacturing process in this case used a minimum layer exposure time of 40 seconds.

Heat Treatment Procedure (in Argon atmosphere):

  1. Solution annealing at 1,040 °C (±15 °C) for 30 minutes, followed by air cooling below 32 °C.

  2. Aging treatment at 460 °C for 1 hour, then air cooling under 32 °C.

stainless steel 17-4-ph printed part

Main Advantages

  • Strong corrosion resistance and high strength
  • Machinable, shot-peened, and polishable (as-built or heat-treated)
  • Needs solution annealing + aging for proper hardness/mechanical properties
  • Complies with 1.4542, UNS 17400, and ASTM A564M standards

Stainless Steel 254

Machanical Properties Overview

ConditionYield Strength Rp0.2 (MPa)Ultimate Tensile Strength RM (MPa)Elongation at Break A (%)Sample Count
As printed, vertical build420 – 460690 – 74035 – 45150
As printed, horizontal build400 – 450670 – 72036 – 4660
Solution annealed, vertical400 – 440650 – 70040 – 50150
Solution annealed, horizontal380 – 430630 – 68042 – 5260
  • Maximum pore size: typically below 80 µm

  • Measured porosity: approx. 0.015% (based on 60 samples)

Mechanical tests performed according to DIN EN ISO 6892-1 B10. Values represent typical ranges and may vary depending on build orientation, laser parameters, part geometry, and thermal history during production. For these datasets, a minimum layer exposure time of around 40 seconds was employed.

Heat Treatment Details (in Argon atmosphere):

  • Solution annealing at ~1,150 °C (±15 °C) for 30–60 minutes, followed by rapid water quenching.

stainless steel 254 3d printed metal part

Main Advantages

  • Exceptional resistance to uniform corrosion, pitting, and crevice corrosion
  • Strong resistance to stress corrosion cracking, even in chloride-rich environments
  • Higher mechanical strength than standard austenitic stainless steels
  • Excellent performance in aggressive chemical and marine conditions
  • Complies with UNS S31254 and relevant ASTM standards

Stainless Steel 316L

Machanical Properties Overview

ConditionYield Strength Rp0.2 (MPa)Ultimate Tensile Strength RM (MPa)Elongation at Break A (%)Sample Count
As printed, vertical build480 – 510600 – 65030 – 35150
As printed, horizontal build460 – 500590 – 64032 – 3760
Stress relieved, vertical470 – 500590 – 63028 – 33150
Stress relieved, horizontal450 – 480580 – 62030 – 3560
  • Maximum pore size: typically under 80 µm

  • Measured porosity: approx. 0.02% (based on 60 samples)

Mechanical tests were performed in line with DIN EN ISO 6892-1 B10 protocols. The values represent typical averages and can be influenced by parameters such as build orientation, platform heating, part geometry, and scan strategies. For this production, a minimum layer exposure time of around 40 seconds was maintained.

Heat Treatment Details (in Argon atmosphere):

  • Stress relief annealing at approximately 900 °C for 1–2 hours, followed by air cooling below 40 °C.

Main Advantages

  • Excellent corrosion resistance in many environments, including chlorides and acids
  • Good ductility and toughness, even at low temperatures
  • Easy to machine, weld, and polish (both as-printed and after stress relief)
  • No heat treatment required for corrosion resistance, but stress relief can improve mechanical properties
  • Complies with 1.4404, UNS S31603, and ASTM A276/A240 standards

Stainless Steel PH1

Machanical Properties Overview

ConditionYield Strength Rp0.2 (MPa)Ultimate Tensile Strength RM (MPa)Elongation at Break A (%)Sample Count
As printed, vertical build1,200 – 1,3001,350 – 1,45012 – 15150
As printed, horizontal build1,180 – 1,2801,330 – 1,43013 – 1660
Heat treated, vertical build1,300 – 1,4001,400 – 1,50011 – 14150
Heat treated, horizontal build1,280 – 1,3801,380 – 1,48012 – 1560
  • Maximum pore size: generally below 100 µm

  • Measured porosity: approx. 0.015% (based on 60 samples)

Mechanical tests performed in compliance with DIN EN ISO 6892-1 B10. Reported values are typical ranges and can vary depending on build orientation, part geometry, scan strategies, and thermal conditions during production. In this dataset, a minimum layer exposure time of around 40 seconds was applied.

Heat Treatment Details (in Argon atmosphere):

  1. Solution annealing at ~1,040 °C (±15 °C) for 30 minutes, followed by air cooling under 32 °C.

  2. Aging process at 480–500 °C for 1–2 hours, then air cooling below 32 °C.

stainless steel ph1 3d printed mart dmls

Main Advantages

  • High strength and hardness with good toughness
  • Strong resistance to corrosion in mild industrial environments
  • Machinable, weldable, and suitable for polishing or surface treatments (as-built or heat-treated)
  • Requires solution annealing plus aging to reach full mechanical properties
  • Complies with 1.4540, UNS S15500, and ASTM A564 standards

Stainless Steel CX

Machanical Properties Overview

ConditionYield Strength Rp0.2 (MPa)Ultimate Tensile Strength RM (MPa)Elongation at Break A (%)Sample Count
As printed, vertical build1,600 – 1,6801,700 – 1,7805 – 7150
As printed, horizontal build1,580 – 1,6501,680 – 1,7605 – 860
Heat treated, vertical build1,650 – 1,7201,720 – 1,8005 – 7150
Heat treated, horizontal build1,630 – 1,7001,700 – 1,7806 – 860
  • Maximum pore size: typically below 90 µm

  • Measured porosity: approx. 0.010% (based on 60 samples)

Mechanical tests conducted according to DIN EN ISO 6892-1 B10. All values represent typical ranges and can fluctuate based on build orientation, heat input, part geometry, and thermal management during printing. For this dataset, a minimum layer exposure time of around 40 seconds was used.

Heat Treatment Details (in Argon atmosphere):

  1. Solution annealing at ~1,040 °C (±15 °C) for 30 minutes, followed by air cooling under 32 °C.

  2. Aging heat treatment at 480–500 °C for 1–2 hours, then air cooling below 32 °C.

stainless steel cx 3d printed metal part

Main Advantages

  • Very high tensile and yield strength for demanding applications
  • Good corrosion resistance, especially in less aggressive environments
  • Machinable and suitable for polishing or surface treatments (as-built or heat-treated)
  • Requires solution annealing plus aging to achieve optimal mechanical properties
  • Typically produced to proprietary standards similar to super martensitic PH stainless steels

Applications for 3D-Printed Stainless Steel

3D-printed stainless steel is widely used across various industries for creating durable, high-performance parts with complex geometries and excellent mechanical properties.

Automotive

automatic car industry
  • Engine components
  • Exhaust parts
  • Custom brackets
  • Performance parts

Aerospace

aerospace industry
  • Turbine blades
  • Aircraft brackets
  • Structural components
  • Heat exchangers

Medical

medical devices
  • Surgical instruments
  • Implants
  • Prosthetic parts
  • Dental fixtures

Energy

energy
  • Valve components
  • Pressure housings
  • Heat-resistant components
  • Gas turbine parts

Surface Finishing Options

Standard

Polished

Satin

Brushed 150

Brushed 220

Brushed 400

FAQs question mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the cost of stainless steel 3D printing compare to traditional manufacturing methods?2025-07-14T02:44:42+00:00
The cost of stainless steel 3D printing depends a lot on things like how complex the part is, its size, and how many you need. And how it stacks up against traditional methods—like machining or casting—varies a lot based on these things.
For simple parts you need in large quantities, traditional methods are usually cheaper. Machining, for instance, is good for basic shapes when you’re making a lot.
But if the part is complex—with internal structures, undercuts, or custom shapes—3D printing often cuts costs. It skips expensive tooling (like casting molds) and wastes less material because it only uses powder where the part actually is.
Small batches or one-of-a-kind parts are also better with 3D printing. Setting it up costs less than making custom tooling for traditional methods.
When you need more parts, the cost difference gets smaller. But for designs that are too tricky for traditional methods, 3D printing still holds its own.
How long does it take to produce a stainless steel printed part?2025-07-14T02:38:03+00:00

1. Material Selection and Suitability

Durability begins with material choice. Common materials include:

  • Polyethylene (PE): Flexible, low-temperature resistant (-40°C to 90°C), ideal for household storage (e.g., HDPE for clothing bins).
  • Polypropylene (PP): Semi-crystalline thermoplastic with high impact resistance and chemical stability (resistant to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents), widely used in industrial applications.
  • Other materials: Polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), etc., each requiring tailored testing.

2. Mechanical Performance Testing

(1) Impact Resistance
  • ASTM D3029: Falling weight method to test rigid plastic samples, measuring energy absorption.
  • ISO 180 Izod Impact Test: Pendulum impact method to break notched or unnotched specimens.
  • Drop Testing: Simulates real-world drops during transport. Silicone-treated containers show 50%+ lower breakage rates. Hazardous material packaging requires sub-zero testing (-40°C per GB/T 4857.5).
(2) Compression and Stacking Tests
  • GB/T 4857.3: Static load stacking test to evaluate deformation under long-term weight (e.g., 12.5 mm/min compression rate until failure).
  • DIN 55440-1: Tests maximum compression strength under controlled conditions (23°C, 50% RH).
  • Box Compression Test (BCT): Uses universal testing machines to measure load capacity before deformation.

3. Environmental Durability Testing

(1) Temperature and Humidity Cycling
  • ISO 4892: Simulates UV exposure and humidity to assess aging (e.g., brittleness, discoloration).
  • Standard Climates: 23°C±2°C, 50% RH±5% (non-tropical) or 27°C±2°C, 65% RH±5% (tropical) per ISO 2233.
  • HAST (Highly Accelerated Stress Testing): Accelerates aging under extreme conditions (e.g., 85°C, 85% RH) to evaluate sealing and structural integrity.
(2) Extreme Temperature Resistance
  • Low-Temperature Testing: Hazardous material containers undergo impact tests at -40°C.
  • High-Temperature Testing: Thermal aging tests in ovens to assess mechanical degradation.

4. Chemical Stability and Safety Testing

  • Chemical Corrosion Resistance: Expose containers to acids/alkalis; measure weight loss and deformation (silicone-treated surfaces perform better).
  • Food Contact Safety:
    • GB 4806 Series: Tests heavy metal leaching (lead, cadmium) and residue limits.
    • FDA Standards: Ensures non-toxicity and no chemical migration.
  • Airtightness Testing: GB/T 17344 requires zero leakage under specified pressures.

5. Specialized Application Tests

(1) Hazardous Material Packaging
  • GB 19270 Series: Covers stacking, drop, and airtightness tests aligned with UN Transportation of Dangerous Goods regulations.
  • Sub-Zero Drop Tests: Mandatory for non-PE containers at -40°C.
(2) Medical and Laboratory Use
  • Sterilization Compatibility: Validate structural integrity after autoclaving (e.g., 121°C steam).
  • Chemical Contamination Resistance: Assess surface durability against lab reagents.

6. Recycling and Sustainability Testing

  • Recyclability Verification: PP containers must retain performance after component removal.
  • ROHS & REACH Compliance: Ensure restricted substances (e.g., phthalates) meet EU limits.

Summary: Testing Workflow

  1. Material Selection: Choose PE, PP, etc., based on application.
  2. Prototype Testing: Mechanical tests (impact, compression, drop).
  3. Environmental Simulation: Temperature/humidity cycling, UV aging.
  4. Chemical & Safety Checks: Corrosion resistance, food safety, airtightness.
  5. Specialized Testing: Sub-zero drops, sterilization, etc.
  6. Certification: Compliance with ISO, ASTM, GB, etc.

Through this multi-dimensional approach, KingStar Mold’s wholesale custom design plastic storage boxes are rigorously validated for durability across household, industrial, and specialized uses.

Are your stainless steel prints certified or traceable?2025-07-14T02:35:14+00:00

Yes. Upon request, we can provide material certificates, test reports (e.g. tensile strength, porosity), and conformity to standards like ASTM, EN, or ISO. Certifications vary by material and application.

What file formats do you accept for stainless steel 3D printing?2025-07-14T02:34:35+00:00

We accept standard 3D model file types such as STL, STEP, IGES, and 3MF. For best results, provide a high-resolution file and specify any critical tolerances, surface finishes, or post-processing needs.

Can I customize the material properties for specific applications?2025-07-14T02:53:22+00:00

Yes, you can customize the material properties of stainless steel 3D printed parts to fit your specific needs—here’s how:

First off, material choices are flexible. We carry standard stainless steel grades like 316L, 254, 17-4 PH and so on. You’ll find data sheets on our page with typical values—things like tensile strength or hardness—based on standard printing setups. But keep in mind, these are just typical numbers, not guarantees for your final part. If you’ve got a specific material in mind, we can work with your supplied stainless steel too (we’ll test it first to make sure it plays nice with our printers).

Another way is tweaking print parameters. Small changes to laser power, scan speed, or layer thickness can shift properties. Cranking up laser power, for example, helps the metal fuse more densely, boosting strength. Slowing the scan speed can cut down on internal stress, so big parts are less likely to warp. Finer layers (like 20μm instead of 50μm) make surfaces smoother, which helps with corrosion resistance. These tweaks let us focus on what matters for your part—whether that’s flexibility, durability, or something else.

Plus, custom post-processing steps can fine-tune things further. Heat treatment can ease stress or make alloys like 17-4 PH harder. Polishing or coatings improve corrosion resistance, and precision machining tightens tolerances for parts that need to wear well.

Just remember: those data sheet numbers are a starting point. Your part’s final properties depend on its shape, how we print it, and any post-processing. For exact specs, reach out to our team—we’ll help nail down what you need.

How precise are stainless steel 3D printed parts?2025-07-14T02:55:42+00:00
Stainless steel 3D printed parts, especially those made with SLM or DMLS, offer strong precision for tight-tolerance needs. Here’s a closer look at what they can do, including key features:
Core Precision Basics
  • Layer Thickness: Most layers are 20–60 μm thick, while better systems can go down to 10–15 μm for finer details. This thin layering helps create smooth surfaces and sharp curves or angles.
  • Dimensional Tolerances: Small parts (under 100 mm) usually hit ±0.1 mm. For larger ones, it’s around ±0.1 mm plus 0.001 mm for each mm of size—so a 200 mm part might be ±0.3 mm. You can get tighter tolerances, even down to ±0.05 mm, with tweaks, but shape matters. Tall, thin parts or overhangs might shift a bit as they cool.
Common Features and Their Accuracy
  • Thin Walls: You can reliably print walls as thin as 0.3–0.5 mm, with even thickness all over. Going thinner (0.2 mm) works but needs careful laser power to avoid warping.
  • Small Holes & Channels: SLM/DMLS can make holes (inside or out) as small as 0.5–1 mm. These holes stay round within 0.05 mm, and through-holes or channels stay aligned within 0.1 mm, even in complex shapes.
  • Threads: Standard metric threads (M3 and up) can be printed directly, fitting well enough for non-critical uses (class 6g/6h). For sharper fits (class 4g/4h), post-processing like tapping helps refine the thread pitch and edges.
  • Sharp Corners & Edges: 90° angles stay crisp, with edge curves as small as 0.1 mm. Overhangs (parts sticking out horizontally without support) can be printed at 30° from vertical with little sagging. For angles under 45°, adding supports improves precision.
What Affects Precision
The size of the powder particles matters—stainless steel powder is usually 15–45 μm, and finer powder means clearer details. The laser’s spot size (50–100 μm) and how fast it scans also play a role: slower, more focused scans make features sharper but take longer. Post-processing like CNC machining or bead blasting can tighten tolerances further or smooth surfaces—from a rough as-printed Ra 10–20 μm to under Ra 1 μm after finishing.
In short, stainless steel 3D printing balances precision with design flexibility. It handles complex features better than many traditional methods, meeting the tight tolerances needed in aerospace, medical, and tooling work.
For more design tips, please refer to our post: Design Guide for DMLS Metal 3D Printing
Is heat treatment required for stainless steel 3D prints?2025-07-14T02:22:09+00:00

It depends on the alloy. Austenitic grades like 316L generally do not require heat treatment for corrosion resistance, though stress relief can improve mechanical properties. Precipitation-hardening steels (e.g., 17-4PH, PH1, CX) need solution annealing and aging to reach full strength and hardness.

Are 3D printed stainless steel parts fully dense?2025-07-14T02:21:16+00:00
3D printed stainless steel parts aren’t fully dense, but they reach very high density levels. Tiny pores can form during solidification, though these are minimal.
Compared to other materials: 3D printed plastics often have more noticeable porosity, while some other metal alloys may struggle with lower density due to their composition. Stainless steel, thanks to its alloy makeup, bonds tightly when melted in 3D printing, resulting in far fewer pores—enough to keep its strength and corrosion resistance intact.
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