| Abstract Scope |
Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, has made freeform fabrication of complex geometries more accessible. Furthermore, by combining AM technologies for polymeric materials and electrodeposition — a suitable, low-cost AM technique for metals — some complex geometries can be realized, mimicking the geometry of the AM polymeric substrate, unto which nickel can be electrodeposited. Economically speaking, such a combination of manufacturing methods could be an optimal solution for specific applications. However, such an extension requires a clear understanding of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the electrodeposited material. In this paper, we have studied the mechanical properties and microstructure of nickel electrodeposited parts, deposited on a polymeric substrate made by FDM using various processing parameters such as various electrolytes and electric current density. Tensile strength, surface condition, and grain structure were studied for the heat-treated and non-heat-treated samples to shed light on optimizing the process parameters for enhanced mechanical properties. |