Plasma Polishing as a New Polishing Option to Reduce the Surface Roughness of Porous Titanium Alloy for 3D Printing

• DOI: 10.3791/65108
• Publication Date: 2023-04-29T00:00:24Z
• Authors: Zhiwei Lin; Lincong Luo; Dongxin Lin; Yuping Deng; Yang Yang; Xuecheng Huang; Tingrui Wu; Wenhua Huang
• Keywords: Titanium alloy

Porous titanium alloy implants with simulated trabecular bone fabricated by 3D printing technology have broad prospects. However, due to the fact that some powder adheres surface of workpiece during manufacturing process, roughness in direct pieces is relatively high. At same time, since internal pores porous structure cannot be polished conventional mechanical polishing, an alternative method needs found. As a technology, plasma polishing especially suitable for parts complex shapes are difficult polish mechanically. It can effectively remove particles and fine splash residues attached printed workpieces. Therefore, it reduce roughness. Firstly, used print metal printer. After printing, heat treatment, removal supporting structure, ultrasonic cleaning carried out. Then, performed, consisting adding electrolyte pH set 5.7, preheating machine 101.6 °C, fixing on fixture, setting voltage (313 V), current (59 A), time (3 min). analyzed confocal microscope, measured. Scanning electron microscopy characterize condition titanium. The results show whole changed from Ra (average roughness) = 126.9 µm 56.28 µm, 42.61 26.25 µm. Meanwhile, semi-molten powders ablative oxide layers removed, quality improved.