Performance assessment of a vibro-finishing technology for additively manufactured components

Metal components produced by Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies usually exhibit a rough surface, that in certain applications can result detrimental for the part’s functionality. Thus, it is of great interest to study the finishing processes that can be applied to the surfaces, both external and internal, of AM components. The aim of this work is the evaluation of the capabilities of a vibro-finishing process in the treatment of samples produced by Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) from AlSi10Mg powders. In this research, the abrasive media is identified, and the surface quality improvement is analysed in terms of surface roughness and modifications induced by the finishing treatment (i.e., edge rounding, material loss) against finishing duration. The cost of the treatment is also evaluated.