Novel Laser Polishing Technology for Additive Manufactured Metal Objects

For better control of the surface characteristics of 3D printed metal components in industrial and medical applications

Metal objects created by 3D printing (or additive manufacturing) are often rough in their surfaces and require polishing before they are suitable for use. To effectively control the surface characteristics of 3D printed metal objects, the team developed a novel technology to achieve polishing by remelting a thin surface layer of the objects through laser radiation. Based on the remelting principle, this technology is different from conventional abrasion and grinding processes. What’s more, the team has identified an optimal processing interaction between the surface morphology of 3D printed metal objects and laser parameters, and can thus create a superior surface finish. Highly practical and flexible, this advanced laser polishing solution produces results that are unmatched by conventional metal polishing technologies.

Figure 1. Illustration of the new laser polishing technology

Special Features and Advantages

Uses a simple laser method to perform surface polishing
Improves the surface characteristics of 3D printed metal objects with adjustable oxidation extent, electrical resistance and water contact angle (wettability)
Can be immediately and directly applied on the objects without secondary processing

Application

Household appliances, e.g. LED light bulb casings
Medical devices, e.g. knee joints and dental implants
Mechanical engineering, e.g. screws
Consumer electronics, e.g. cell phone casings

Patent

Patent No.:
2017111134696 (China)

Principal Investigator

Ir Prof. Kam-chuen YUNG
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

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Novel Laser Polishing Technology for Additive Manufactured Metal Objects

For better control of the surface characteristics of 3D printed metal components in industrial and medical applications