Shuai Chang, Aihong Liu, Chun Yee Aaron Ong, Lei Zhang, Xiaolei Huang, Yong Hao Tan, Liping Zhao, Liqun Li & Jun Ding (2019) Highly effective smoothening of 3D-printed metal structures via overpotential electrochemical polishing, Materials Research Letters, 7:7, 282-289, DOI: 10.1080/21663831.2019.1601645
Abstract:
High roughness of metal structures made by selective laser melting restricted their extensive applications. A strategy of overpotential electrochemical polishing was developed for effectively smoothening three-dimensional (3D)-printed surfaces, particularly for removing sticking particles. Average surface roughness of 0.18 µm was achieved with a small thickness removed of ∼70 µm through a combination of overpotential and conventional electrochemical polishing. Interestingly, micro-lattices polished with this approach nearly doubled the specific compressive plateau stress and energy absorption over as-printed lattices. Moreover, the success with 316L stainless steel, 4130 steel and AlSi10Mg, indicates the potential of this approach for smoothening other 3D-printed metals.
License type:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Funding Info:
NUS Strategic Research Fund [grant numbers R-261-509-001-646 and R-261-509-001-733]; Singapore Maritime Institute and the Advanced Materials & Manufacturing R&D Program [grant numbers SMI-2016-OF-04 (R261502032592)]; and NRF NRF-CRP16-2015-01 [grant number R284-000-159-281].