%0 Journal Article
%T Highly effective smoothening of 3D-printed metal structures via overpotential electrochemical polishing
%A Aihong Liu
%A Chun Yee Aaron Ong
%A Jun Ding
%A Lei Zhang
%A Liping Zhao
%A Liqun Li
%A Shuai Chang
%A Xiaolei Huang
%A Yong Hao Tan
%J Materials Research Letters
%D 2019
%R https://doi.org/10.1080/21663831.2019.1601645
%X 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£¿¦Ìm was achieved with a small thickness removed of ¡«70£¿¦Ìm 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
%U https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21663831.2019.1601645