Multiscale characterization of the additive-manufacturing-induced cell structure in 316L stainless steel: A comparative study

Abstract This study evaluates the potential of various electron microscopy-based methods for the characterization of the cell structures in additive manufactured stainless steel 316L. We focus on the capability of different techniques to characterize the multiscale microstructural features of the cell structures, including cell morphology, elemental segregation, particle distribution, and dislocation arrangement. Additionally, we suggest a manual method to quantify the very small misorientation angles across cell walls and within the cells. The advantages and limitations of different methods are discussed.