Steel showing twinning-induced plasticity processed by selective laser melting — An additively manufactured high performance material

Austenitic high-manganese steel showing twinning-induced plasticity has been processed by selective laser melting. In the as-built condition without any post-processing the steel shows excellent mechanical properties featuring high strength, good ductility and extraordinary strain hardening. Microstructural analyses revealed a fully austenitic microstructure upon processing exhibiting elongated grains and a pronounced texture. Deformation twins are observed upon tensile testing, proving that additive manufacturing is well suited for processing of high-manganese steels.