Orientation effect of electropolishing characteristics of 316L stainless steel fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract

3D metal printing process has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to advantages, such as flexibility and rapid prototyping. This study aims to investigate the orientation effect of electropolishing characteristics on different surfaces of 316L stainless steel fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), considering that the rough surface of 3D printed parts is a key factor limiting its applications in the industry. The electropolishing characteristics on the different surfaces corresponding to the building orientation in selective laser melting are studied. Experimental results show that electrolyte temperature has critical importance on the electropolishing, especially for the vertical direction to the layering plane. The finish of electropolished surfaces is affected by the defects generated during L-PBF process. Thus, the electropolished vertical surface has higher surface roughness Sa than the horizontal surface. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra show that the electropolished horizontal surface has higher Cr/Fe element ratio than the vertical surface. The electropolished horizontal surface presents higher corrosion resistance than the vertical surface by measuring the anodic polarization curves and fitting the equivalent circuit of experimental electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

electropolishing / laser powder bed fusion / 316L stainless steel / corrosion resistance / microstructure