Anodizing by Electrochemical Oxidation (ECO) of the Laser Powder Bed Fusion-processed A357 aluminium alloy: microstructural characterization and dry sliding behaviour

Abstract Considering the increasing interest for Al alloys in packaging industry, where component lightweighting allows higher process efficiency, as well use of additively manufactured parts, which may not show a satisfactory tribological behaviour as-built condition, anodising by Electrochemical Oxidation (ECO) and Plasma Electrolytic (PEO) was applied to A357 (AlSi7Mg0.6) produced Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). ECO allowed compensate surface surface-connected defects LPBF thicker, less-defective anodic oxide than PEO, providing wear resistance whilst maintaining lower Coefficient Friction (COF) dry sliding tests against 100Cr6 steel. Polishing before only resulted negligible friction improvements, even if it improved compactness oxide.