High-performance nickel coating on SLM 316L stainless steel processed by jet electrochemical machining and jet electrodeposition

Abstract

Selective laser melting (SLM) is an important method in additive manufacturing. SLM has obvious advantages for the fabrication of metal parts with complex structure that cannot be processed directly and are manufactured in relatively low amounts. However, the surfaces of the SLM-formed parts contain more adhesive particles and pores than those manufactured by traditional methods, leading to the poor corrosion resistance of the parts and preventing the widespread use of SLM. To solve these problems, jet electrochemical machining and jet electrodeposition combined processing techniques were investigated for the treatment of the substrate surface in this work. Jet electrochemical machining was used to remove the surface defects of the SLM-formed parts, and the results were compared with the traditional sandblasting and sandpaper grinding surface treatment methods. Then, the nickel coating was deposited on the surface of the SLM-formed parts using jet electrodeposition to protect the surface and extend the service life of the parts. The mechanisms of the different processing techniques were analyzed, and properties such as the substrate morphology, coating morphology, corrosion resistance of the coating, and adhesion of the coating were compared. The results show that holes, adhesive particles and other defects are still present on the substrate surface after sandpaper grinding and sandblasting and affect the quality of the nickel coating. After electrochemical machining, the SLM surface defects were almost completely removed, forming a uniform microporous structure that interlocked with the nickel coating. The coating was smooth and dense and showed the best corrosion resistance and binding force. In 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, the corrosion potential reached −0.196 V, and the maximum binding force reached 35 N.