Surface Post-Treatments of Different Lattice Structures Manufactured by 3D Printing using Selective Laser Melting

Abstract

Selective laser melting (SLM) offers great potential for the fabrication of Ti6Al4V lattice structural components, but the resulting surface roughness of the manufactured products severely limits the use of the parts in biomedical applications. To reduce the influence of high surface roughness, the post processing process techniques applicable to all different lattice structures. In this study, two techniques were combined: ultrasonic abrasive flow and electro polishing treatment. To analyze Selective laser melted parts after post processing process, porosity and microstructural analyses were done. Furthermore, checking the influence of Electro polish time on surface of lattice structures. EP treatment conducted, applying a voltage of 20 ,18, and 16(V) And also (8), (6) and (4) minutes sequentially at a temperature of (4-7) C⁰ for HC, FCC, and BCC lattice structure specimens, sequentially. Acid-based electrolyte to perform Electro Polish, its solutions proved to be effective in reducing average surface roughness Ra from 7.325,7.465 and 6.7732.7 μm to 4.661 .3.911 and 4.20 for hexagonal, face center cubic and body center cubic lattice structures.  In addition to, Rz from 36.766 ,35.768 and 30.029 to 22.482 ,17.88 and 18.249 μm sequentially. After post processing process, the findings of surface roughness, Young’s modulus, yield strength, and Porosity percentage are compatible with the properties of bone, allowing it to be utilized as a scaffold.