ASSESSMENT OF GEOMETRIC DISTORTION OF CANTILEVERS PRINTED WITH DIFFERENT INTERNAL STRUCTURES AFTER DIFFERENT POST-PROCESSES

This study assesses the geometric distortion of cantilevers fabricated from stainless steel 316L with varying internal structures using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology. The cantilevers were printed under identical conditions and subsequently post-processed with Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) and heat treatment. The geometric deviations were evaluated using a micrometer and a Coordinate-Measuring Machine (CMM). This research underscores the importance of internal structure selection and post-processing in enhancing the geometric accuracy and mechanical stability of 3D-printed slender structures from stainless steel. By demonstrating that internal geometries can significantly influence the end product's structural performance, the findings provide valuable insights for the design and engineering of Additive Manufactured (AM) components, particularly in applications that involve bending.