This work investigates the electrochemical behaviour of an AISI 316L stainless steel produced by selective laser melting (SLM) and compares its behaviour with that of wrought stainless steel with similar chemical composition. The SLM stainless steel specimens are tested in the as‐produced condition without stress relief or recrystallization heat treatments. The electrochemical tests are carried out in two electrolytes: 3.5 wt% NaCl solution with neutral pH and with pH of 1.8. At the macroscale, the microstructure of the SLM specimens is determined by the laser scanning pattern and displays an overlapping network of melt pools. At the microscale, the SLM specimens exhibit a cellular/columnar dendritic structure with submicrometric cell size. Electrochemical measurements highlight a more extended passive range for SLM stainless steel in both neutral and acid electrolytes indicating higher protective properties of the oxide film on SLM specimens. In contrast to the wrought material, the refined microstructure of the SLM specimens promotes a very shallow morphology of attack without deep penetration in the bulk.

Modern additive manufacturing technologies allow the creation of parts characterized by complex geometries that cannot be created using conventional production techniques. Among them the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technique is very promising. By using SLM it is possible to create lightweight lattice structures that may fill void regions or partially replace bulk regions of a given mechanical component. As a consequence, the overall mechanical properties of the final component can be greatly enhanced, such as the resistance to weight ratio and its damping capacity against undesired vibrations or acoustic noise. Nevertheless, only a few research works focused on the characterization of the dynamic behaviour of lattice structures, that were mainly investigated in the low frequency range or directly tested on some specific applications. In this work the dynamic behaviour of lattice structures in the medium-high frequency range was experimentally investigated and then modelled. For this purpose, different types of lattice structures made of AlSi10Mg and AISI 316L were measured. Experimental modal analysis was performed on the obtained specimens in order to assess the influence of lattice material and unit cell geometry on their global dynamic behaviour. Experimental results revealed that lattice structures have superior damping characteristics compared to solid materials having an equivalent static stiffness. Eventually, the classic Rayleigh model was found to be adequate-with some approximation-to explain the damping behaviour of a generic lattice structure.

Modern additive manufacturing technologies allow the creation of parts characterized by complex geometries that cannot be created using conventional production techniques. Among them the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technique is very promising. By using SLM it is possible to create lightweight lattice structures that may fill void regions or partially replace bulk regions of a given mechanical component. As a consequence, the overall mechanical properties of the final component can be greatly enhanced, such as the resistance to weight ratio and its damping capacity against undesired vibrations or acoustic noise. Nevertheless, only a few research works focused on the characterization of the dynamic behaviour of lattice structures, that were mainly investigated in the low frequency range or directly tested on some specific applications. In this work the dynamic behaviour of lattice structures in the medium-high frequency range was experimentally investigated and then modelled. For this purpose, different types of lattice structures made of AlSi10Mg and AISI 316L were measured. Experimental modal analysis was performed on the obtained specimens in order to assess the influence of lattice material and unit cell geometry on their global dynamic behaviour. Experimental results revealed that lattice structures have superior damping characteristics compared to solid materials having an equivalent static stiffness. Eventually, the classic Rayleigh model was found to be adequate - with some approximation - to explain the damping behaviour of a generic lattice structure.

No abstract

Chatter vibrations arising during machining operations are detrimental for cutting process performance, since they may cause poor surface quality of the machined part and severe damages to machine tool elements. Passive approaches for chatter suppression are based on the integration of special mechanical components with high-damping properties within the machining system. They represent a good solution to this problem thanks to their intrinsic simplicity. Recently, the application of metallic lattice structures inside 3D printed parts obtained from the Selective Laser Melting technology have proven superior damping properties with respect to the same full density material. Here, this idea is further explored by considering the novel configuration where the unmelted powder grains are retained inside the lattice structure by an external shell, acting as a multiplicity of microscopic mechanical dampers. This concept is applied for passive chatter suppression of thin-walled parts that are of particular relevance for industry. Preliminary experimental investigation was first carried out on simple beam-like specimens, and then on thin-walled benchmarks that were identified through modal analysis and tested under real cutting conditions. The main conclusion is that the novel proposed configuration (lattice plus unmelted powder) has higher damping properties with respect to the full density and lattice alternatives. Accordingly, it may be successfully applied for passive chatter suppression in real machining operations.