Post-processing and surface characterization of additively manufactured stainless steel 316l lattice: implications for biomedical use
Teo, Alex Quok An Yan, Lina Chaudhari, Akshay O’neill, G.K.
Teo, Alex Quok An
O’neill, G.K.
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Abstract
Additive manufacturing of stainless steel is becoming increasingly accessible, allowing for the customisation of structure and surface characteristics; there is little guidance for the post-processing of these metals. We carried out this study to ascertain the effects of various combinations of post-processing methods on the surface of an additively manufactured stainless steel 316L lattice. We also characterized the nature of residual surface particles found after these processes via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Finally, we measured the surface roughness of the post-processing lattices via digital microscopy. The native lattices had a predictably high surface roughness from partially molten particles. Sandblasting effectively removed this but damaged the surface, intro-ducing a peel-off layer, as well as leaving surface residue from the glass beads used. The addition of either abrasive polishing or electropolishing removed the peel-off layer but introduced other surface deficiencies making it more susceptible to corrosion. Finally, when electropolishing was performed after the above processes, there was a significant reduction in residual surface particles. The constitution of the particulate debris as well as the lattice surface roughness following each post-processing method varied, with potential implications for clinical use. The work provides a good base for future development of post-processing methods for additively manufactured stainless steel. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Keywords
Additive manufacturing, Biomedical implants, Post-processing, Stainless steel 316L, Surface residue
Source Title
Materials
Publisher
MDPI AG
Series/Report No.
Collections
Rights
Attribution 4.0 International
Date
2021-03-12
DOI
10.3390/ma14061376
Type
Article