Proceedings of the
World Congress on Micro and Nano Manufacturing (WCMNM 2022 )
19–22 September 2022, Lueven, Belgium
doi:10.3850/978-981-18-5180-3_RP28-0012
Preliminary Study for Surface Quality Implementation of SLM Samples via Micro-EDM
1Dept. of Management, Information and Production Engineering, University of Bergamo, 24044 Dalmine, BG, Italy
2Dept. of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy
ABSTRACT
In the last year, the request for implantable devices continues to rise and one of their main characteristics to be suitable for the application is related to the surface finishing. Additive manufacturing techniques can cover the needs of these components for their high level of customization of the products and the ability to realize complex shapes without high effort. Despite the benefits derived from AM processes, these techniques are characterized by a low quality of the surface finish, one of the most important requirements for medical devices. Considering this aspect, it is very important to try to develop a possible solution able to improve the surface finish in order to enjoy the low lead times and the high level of customization typical of these processes. The identification of appropriate procedure is needful. In the present paper, the micro- Electrical Discharge Machining (micro-EDM) is considered as a possible technique for surface improvement. Specifically, a preliminary investigation for improving the surface finishing of 17-4 PH stainless steel samples fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) by means of micro-EDM process was carried out. Micro-EDM is selected due to its ability to remove material without contact between workpiece and electrode avoiding mechanical stresses and vibration that could damage the product. SLM is the most promising process for the production of this kind of device. Different electrical discharge shapes are applied to the machining for evaluating the surface roughness and texture.
Keywords: Micro-EDM, Selective Laser Melting, Stainless Steel 17-4PH, Surface Roughness, Biomedical Application.
1Dept. of Management, Information and Production Engineering, University of Bergamo, 24044 Dalmine, BG, Italy
2Dept. of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy
ABSTRACT
In the last year, the request for implantable devices continues to rise and one of their main characteristics to be suitable for the application is related to the surface finishing. Additive manufacturing techniques can cover the needs of these components for their high level of customization of the products and the ability to realize complex shapes without high effort. Despite the benefits derived from AM processes, these techniques are characterized by a low quality of the surface finish, one of the most important requirements for medical devices. Considering this aspect, it is very important to try to develop a possible solution able to improve the surface finish in order to enjoy the low lead times and the high level of customization typical of these processes. The identification of appropriate procedure is needful. In the present paper, the micro- Electrical Discharge Machining (micro-EDM) is considered as a possible technique for surface improvement. Specifically, a preliminary investigation for improving the surface finishing of 17-4 PH stainless steel samples fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) by means of micro-EDM process was carried out. Micro-EDM is selected due to its ability to remove material without contact between workpiece and electrode avoiding mechanical stresses and vibration that could damage the product. SLM is the most promising process for the production of this kind of device. Different electrical discharge shapes are applied to the machining for evaluating the surface roughness and texture.
Keywords: Micro-EDM, Selective Laser Melting, Stainless Steel 17-4PH, Surface Roughness, Biomedical Application.
