Surface Treatment of Ti6Al4V Parts Made By Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Processes using Electropolishing

Abstract

This paper investigated the use of electropolishing on the surface treatment of the Ti6Al4V parts made by the powder bed fusion processes including direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and electron beam melting (EBM). A non‐aqueous alcohol based electrolyte was used, and the relationship between the process and surface roughness was evaluated. Based on the results, the feasibility of electropolishing as a potential alternative post‐surface treatment for additive manufactured metal parts was discussed.