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Article summary:

1. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an established method for manufacturing metal components, but part shape and feature size can affect residual stresses, microstructure, and mechanical properties.

2. This study investigated the influence of feature size and shape on the corrosion susceptibility of LPBF-fabricated 316L stainless steel lattice structures using a 21-day immersion corrosion test in an aqueous 3.5 wt% NaCl solution.

3. The results showed that while visually aggressive pitting occurred in some of the lattice structures with submillimeter wall thicknesses, mass loss values did not confirm higher corrosion susceptibility for smaller lattice sizes, and there were no clear indications of latent corrosion effects on mechanical properties.

Article analysis:

The article titled "Influence of feature size and shape on corrosion of 316L lattice structures fabricated by laser powder bed fusion" explores the impact of feature size and shape on the corrosion susceptibility of LPBF-manufactured 316L parts. The study investigates the corrosion performance of submillimeter LPBF-fabricated 316L stainless steel lattice structures in an aqueous 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The authors use X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) scans before and after the corrosion test to compare volumetric losses, evaluate mechanical properties and microstructure, and develop a workflow to register, index, and analyze volumetric changes.

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the research methodology, including the design of TPMS lattice structures, manufacturing using LPBF technology, immersion corrosion testing, microCT scanning, tensile testing, metallographic examination, and data analysis. The authors also discuss the implications of complex AM designs on part corrosion resistance and long-term performance in safety-critical applications such as medical implants, nuclear components, and fuel cells.

The article presents several key findings that contribute to our understanding of how feature size and shape influence part corrosion susceptibility. Three out of five samples with a wall thickness of 0.323 mm displayed visually aggressive pitting. Based on microCT data analysis, mass losses were localized either in entrapped powder particles or partially melted surface globules. Corrosion did not occur in the dense base material. Despite visual indications supporting higher corrosion susceptibility for smaller lattice sizes, mass loss values did not confirm this conclusion. Tensile test results did not provide any clear indications of latent corrosion effects on mechanical properties.

Overall, the article provides valuable insights into how feature size and shape affect part corrosion resistance in LPBF-manufactured 316L parts. However, there are some potential biases that need to be considered when interpreting the results. For example:

- The study only considers one type of corrosive environment (aqueous 3.5 wt% NaCl solution), which may not reflect real-world conditions.

- The study only focuses on TPMS lattice structures with specific geometries and wall thicknesses; other types of lattice structures or non-lattice parts may exhibit different behavior.

- The study does not consider other factors that may influence part corrosion resistance such as post-processing treatments or surface finishing.

- The study does not explore counterarguments or alternative explanations for its findings.

Despite these limitations, the article provides a solid foundation for future research into how feature size and shape affect part corrosion resistance in LPBF-manufactured parts. It highlights the importance of considering mesoscale geometry when designing complex AM parts for demanding environments where long-term performance is critical.