Highly effective smoothening of 3D-printed metal structures via overpotential electrochemical polishing. Issue 7 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, Shuai; Liu, Aihong; Ong, Chun Yee Aaron; Zhang, Lei; Huang, Xiaolei; Tan, Yong Hao; Zhao, Liping; Li, Liqun; Ding, Jun
• Is Part Of: Materials research letters. Volume 7:Issue 7(2019)
• Page Start: 282
• Page End: 289
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: 3D printing -- selective laser melting -- overpotential -- electrochemical polishing -- 3D-printed surface; Materials science -- Research -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research; Composite materials -- Research; Materials science -- Research; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1080/21663831.2019.1601645
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2166-3831

Abstract

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. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: IMPACT STATEMENT: A highly effective technology to smoothen complex and rough 3D-printed metal surfaces is developed using a novel overpotential electrochemical polishing, which can enhance mechanical and functional properties of 3D-printed metals.