Abrasive Surface Finishing on SLM M300 Parts Fabricated with Virgin Powder

Abstract

This diploma thesis explores the effectiveness of abrasive surface finishing technique on SLM (Selective Laser Melting) manufactured M300 maraging steel parts using virgin powder. The study investigates various abrasive methods to determine the optimal finishing process that enhances the surface quality of 3D printed parts. The experimental setup involved applying different abrasive finishing techniques to the SLM-produced M300 parts and measuring the resulting surface roughness and morphology changes. Technique such as centrifugal tumbling were analysed to evaluate their efficiency in reducing surface irregularities and improving wear resistance, the topography images were checked as well as the morphology of tumbled samples also were investigated, Chemical composition and surface wettability were also calculated. The thesis concludes with recommendations for the industrial application of these techniques, particularly highlighting the benefits and limitations observed during the experiments. This work aims to contribute to the broader understanding of surface finishing methods for 3D printed metal parts, offering insights into their practical applications and potential improvements in surface integrity.