Deep hole finishing of Inconel 718 SLMed features by endmilling and reaming

Abstract

Additive manufacturing by selective laser melting (SLM) allows significant flexibility in obtaining components with complex morphologies, which usually require finishing to correct the geometric distortions and roughness inherent in the process. This paper investigated surface quality by milling and reaming deep holes into ducts obtained by SLM technology. For this purpose, tools with different characteristics were tested, with a reaming stage necessary to obtain roughness levels of less than one μm. Dimensional distortions in SLMed ducts led to substantial variability in axial cutting forces. The helix angle of the endmill had a significant influence on the axial cutting force and roughness.

Metal additive manufacturing of commercial aerospace components – A comprehensive review

“…When the SLM method creates initial holes, the high surface quality observed after reaming shows that the usual drilling stage in the formation of deep holes is not required. 79…”

“…When the SLM method creates initial holes, the high surface quality observed after reaming shows that the usual drilling stage in the formation of deep holes is not required. 79 To physically and chemically assess the surface of Inconel 718 (IN718) specimens manufactured using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). .…”