| Abstract Scope |
Metal additive manufacturing (MAM) using powder-bed fabrication is a rapidly-developing technology. While the impact of this new production path could be significant, MAM products must still meet many traditional requirements, including surface specifications such as finish (roughness), coatings, and corrosion resistance. However, initial studies indicate that these requirements may not directly transfer to MAM materials, with complications due to different microstructures, hidden surfaces, difficult geometries, and rougher finishes expected. In this study, we focused on developing electropolishing techniques to improve the surface finish; characterizing the surface pre- and post-processing. Surface characterization was performed using profilometry, microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We also explored how both surface and heat treatments affect the corrosion performance of the material using conventional electrochemistry and electrochemical AFM. |