A comparison of post-processing techniques for Additive Manufacturing components
Matthieu Rauch, Jean-Yves Hascoët
Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes can now produce components with homogeneous mechanical properties, but the physical phenomena involved during the build make AM surfaces not always suitable to be used as-is. This paper first focuses on the properties of as build AM surfaces and highlights the need to employ post-processing techniques to improve these properties and meet the function requirements. Besides High Speed Machining, which is the usually chosen process, others can be interesting candidates. Waterjet finishing and laser polishing can be employed to smooth peaks and valleys that characterize AM surface and to remove unmelted particles. In addition, these processes are also used for surface texturing. Friction Stir Processing promises a high productivity. The results of several experimental campaigns carried out in the laboratory are provided in this paper. The major interests and drawbacks of the studied processes are identified with the view to define performance windows.