Computer Numerical Controlled Grinding and Physical Vapor Deposition for Fused Deposition Modelled Workpieces. (1st November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lavecchia, Fulvio; Percoco, Gianluca; Pei, Eujin; Galantucci, Luigi Maria
• Other Names: Li Yuanshi Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Advances in materials science and engineering. Volume 2018(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-11-01
• Subjects: Materials science -- Periodicals; Materials science; Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/9037490
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8434

Abstract

Abstract : The use of additive manufacturing (AM) enables companies to directly produce complex end-use parts. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is an AM technology based on an extrusion process of fabricating parts. This layer-by-layer method results in a poor surface finish, and as a result, manual finishing is often required, which consequentially reduces the definition of the geometrical features. This research proposes a novel way of achieving high surface finishing by using additive and finishing processes, followed by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating. Two test pieces were produced, the first one was subjected to computer numerical controlled (CNC) mechanical grinding with appropriate grades of grindstones; the second one was subjected to microsandblasting to remove excess material and the stair-stepping effect. Both test pieces were then subjected to a PVD coating process to provide a metal thin film. To benchmark the test pieces, the authors used a coordinate measure machine for dimensions and a roughness meter to verify the effectiveness of this postprocessing approach.