Texturing by Means of a Tool Electrode Produced by Selective Laser Melting

The use of intricate tool electrodes produced by selective laser melting (SLM) to apply microscopic and macroscopic relief to workpiece surfaces by copy piercing electrical discharge machining is studied experimentally. The results show that such tool electrodes are suitable for this purpose. Experimental data regarding the electrode gap are obtained. Design recommendations for the correction of such tool electrodes are outlined.