Smoothening of the down-skin regions of copper components produced via Laser Powder Bed Fusion technology

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing the industrial scenario. Four copper samples have been printed via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) at DIAM Laboratory (INFN—Sezione di Padova, Italy). Samples had different geometrical characteristics, to test feasibility of AM as a productive technique for creation unsupported structures that are characterized by surfaces with very small inclination angle, where supports cannot be placed. Parts successfully even in case 18° walls respect horizontal plane, and on same samples, surface finishing treatments (performed Rösler Italiana S.r.l. INFN-LNL) performed reduce roughness down-facing surfaces. Indeed, down-skin regions most critical areas parts. Several under investigation: mass-finishing (mechanical chemically assisted mechanical processes), chemical polishing, electropolishing, some them, results extremely positive: from an initial ( Ra ) 30–35 µm, allowed us achieve value lower than 1 µm. The study here exposed presents good way rapidly 3D-printed parts, reaching mirror-like aspect.