Surface Electropolishing for Complex Geometries: Electrochemical surface treatment; Additive manufacturing (18077)

Surface Electropolishing forComplex Geometries Electrochemical surface treatment; Additive manufacturing RDF #18077 Highlights Control of electrolyte flow field; Imposes less geometrical limitations to components; Improved uniformity of surface treatment effects. ——————————————————————- Technology Surface quality has long been an issue for additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Many processes can reduce the geometrical accuracy of the fabricated geometries, as well as create surface defects, which can later become crack initiation sites. Since fatigue performance is critical for many applications, such as aerospace, automobile, and bio-devices, these defects can be a major issue. To solve this problem, researchers at the University of Louisville have developed a method for uniform surface treatment of metal components with complex 3-D geometries using electropolishing. The treatment apparatus allows for accurate control of process variables such as solution temperature, electrical voltage, electrode spacing and electrolyte flow rate. A pre-processing analysis allows for optimum placement in the electropolishing container to ensure uniform polishing rates. A secondary subsystem allows for the manipulation of electrolyte flow field characteristics. Applications and advantages: Solution based method ensures all exterior surfaces are accessed; Eliminates need for specialized electrodes, which can impose geometrical limitations; Allows for manipulation of electrolyte flow to better control the surface polishing effect; Could improve fatigue performance in additive manufacturing parts critical in aerospace and biodevice applications. ——————————————————————- Current Status IP Status:Pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Development Status:Proof-of-concept established Fields of Use Available:All Publications:Yang, Li, Chris O?۪Neil, and Yan Wu. “THE USE OF ELECTROPOLISHING SURFACE TREATMENT ON IN718 PARTS FABRICATED BY LASER POWDER BED FUSION PROCESS.?۝ ——————————————————————- Inventors Li Yang, Ph.D. Yan Wu, M. Eng. Christopher O?۪Neil, M.Eng. Austin Lassell, M.Eng. Hengfeng Gu ——————————————————————- MORE INFORMATION: thinker@louisville.edu / 502.852.2965 / Attn.: RDF#18077 ——————————————————————- *This Technology is available for licensing, further development, or industrial partnering* Kayla Meisner knmeis01@louisville.edu 502.852.2965