First: Metal 3D Printing surface treatment method

Surface treatment methods for metal 3D printing have a significant impact on the surface quality and usability of the printed part. Here are some common surface treatment methods for metal 3D printing:

Heat treatment: Heat treatment is a method of heating a metal material to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it to improve the mechanical properties of the material. In metal 3D printing, heat treatment can eliminate internal stresses and improve the strength and hardness of the printed part.

Electroplating: Electroplating is a method of depositing a metal or alloy layer on a metal surface using electrolytic principles. In metal 3D printing, electroplating can be used to improve the surface quality of the printed part, increase corrosion resistance and aesthetics.

Sandblasting: Sandblasting is a surface treatment method that uses a high-speed airflow to impact the metal surface and roughen it. By sandblasting, the roughness of the metal surface can be increased and the adhesion of the coating can be improved.

Polishing: Polishing is a method of grinding and polishing metal surfaces using abrasives or polishing agents. A smooth and shiny metal surface can be obtained via polishing, thus improving aesthetics and usability.

Baking paint: Baking paint is a method of coating the metal surface with paint and baking it to dry at high temperature. Through baking paint treatment, a protective film can be formed on the metal surface, thus improving corrosion resistance and aesthetics.

Powder Coating: Powder Coating is a method of spraying metal powder on metal surfaces by utilizing the principle of electrostatic adsorption. A protective layer can be formed on the metal surface via powder coating to improve corrosion resistance and aesthetics.

Electrophoretic coating: Electrophoretic coating is a method of utilizing electrochemical principles to coat paint particles on metal surfaces. Through electrophoretic coating treatment, a protective film can be formed on the metal surface to improve corrosion resistance and aesthetics.

Ion plating: Ion plating is a method that utilizes the principle of physical vapor deposition to accelerate metallic or non-metallic ions to a high velocity to impact the metal surface and form a hardened layer. High hardness and corrosion-resistant metal surfaces can be obtained through ion plating treatment.

Chemical plating: Chemical plating is a method of depositing a metal or alloy layer on a metal surface using a chemical reaction. Highly accurate and highly uniform metal surfaces can be obtained by chemical plating treatment.

Laser cladding: Laser cladding is a method that uses a high-energy laser beam to melt and rapidly solidify a metal surface. Through laser cladding treatment, a layer of coating with specific properties can be formed on the metal surface to improve the wear resistance, corrosion resistance and high temperature performance of the metal surface.

Second: Relationship between applied materials and surface treatment methods based on additive manufacturing

   Additive manufacturing based application materials and surface treatment methods have a close relationship in metal 3D printing. Firstly, the selection of materials will affect the performance and service life of the printed parts, while the surface treatment methods have an important impact on the appearance quality and functional properties of the printed parts. Secondly, materials and surface treatment methods based on additive manufacturing should be coordinated with each other in order to achieve a good manufacturing effect and economic benefits.

In terms of application, metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, die steel, and high-temperature alloys have good machinability and mechanical strength, which are suitable for a wide range of additive manufacturing technologies. At the same time, these materials also have good plating properties and can be plated to obtain a smooth, corrosion-resistant surface.

However, different metal materials and surface treatment methods also have limitations. For example, stainless steel is more difficult to process and requires higher equipment; while aluminum alloy has lower strength and hardness and requires special surface treatment methods to improve its wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Therefore, when choosing the application materials and surface treatment methods for metal 3D printing, comprehensive consideration needs to be made based on specific application scenarios and needs.

Third: the future direction of development

Metal 3D printing will face more challenges and opportunities in the future development. With the continuous emergence of new materials and the continuous innovation of surface treatment technology, the application areas of metal 3D printing will be further expanded. At the same time, with the accelerated promotion of intelligent manufacturing and digital transformation, metal 3D printing will be integrated with other advanced manufacturing technologies to form a more efficient and intelligent production model.

Suzhou Tianhong Laser Co., Ltd. has achieved a series of results in the field of metal 3D printing. In the future, we will continue to devote ourselves to researching and developing more advanced metal 3D printing technology, providing good products and services, and making positive contributions to promoting the development of manufacturing industry.