Efficient Finishing of Laser Beam Melting Additive Manufactured Parts

Abstract

In many cases, the functional performance of additively manufactured components can only be ensured by finishing the functional surfaces. Various methods are available for this purpose. This paper presents a procedure for selecting suitable processes for finishing laser beam melting additive–manufactured parts which is ultimately based on technological knowledge. It was experimentally proven that the use of several consecutive finishing processes is beneficial to achieve better surface quality. One finishing process chain was particularly effective (namely particle blasting/vibratory grinding/plasma electrolytic polishing) and the technological limits of this method were investigated in this study. The optimal parameters for this process combination ensured a surface roughness Sa < 1 µm.

The Use of Electrode Tools Obtained by Selective Laser Melting to Create Textured Surfaces

“…In works [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], it was noted that in order to improve the operational characteristics of the working surfaces of products, for example, working in conditions of increased friction, it is necessary to apply a textured relief. A textured relief is applied to individual surfaces requiring certain properties.…”

“…Surface texturing is a method of surface functionalization widely used throughout the world. This is used in various fields: medical implants, wettability tuning, optical properties, hybrid bonding, bond enhancement, or cutting tools [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The most common patterns of textured surfaces are dimples, lines (parallel and hatching), square, conical, rhombic, wavy texture, and annular (bulge and smooth corrugation) [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…The types of patterns produced on the surfaces of the cutting tool were most commonly microgrooves, microholes, microstrip grooves, and microgrooves. In the works [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ], the influence of polycrystalline diamond tools with microgrooves, made using a fiber laser, was studied ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…Additive technologies are widely used in the creation of fixtures, dies, and tools. Their development is due to the fact that high quality requirements are imposed on finished products [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…In addition, the coefficient of friction is reduced by obtaining microstructured oil-retaining cavities. The shape and depth of the resulting pattern and complex relief are the main requirements for creating oil-retaining grooves on the surface of products [1][2][3][4]. Textured surfaces are widely used in mechanical engineering.…”