Three dimensional texture analysis by means of orientation distribution functions (ODF) was used to examine the texture development during rolling at 473 K in an austenitic stainless steel. With the help
of ODFs results, the different stages of texture development could be assigned to the existing theories
of heterogeneous deformation mechanisms of low SFE face-centred cubic metals. The texture at very
low degree of rolling consists of two limited orientation tubes with their fibre axes 〈110〉//ND and 〈110〉60∘ND and agrees with the predictions made by Taylor model. With further deformation,
twinning causes the reduction of ≈{112}〈111〉 component and leads to the formation of twin {552}〈115〉. Abnormal slip on slip planes parallel to the twin boundaries rotates the twins into the {332}〈113〉 and {111}〈110〉 positions. The shear bands formation in the rotated twin-matrix lamellae
changes their orientations near to {011}〈100〉 and {011}〈112〉 positions. Finally, normal slip again
continues and sharpens the brass-type rolling texture.
