Evolving surface wettability in laser-powder bed fusion printed metal parts

This study presents an early -stage investigation of the evolving surface wettability of metal parts fabricated using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). Various printing strategies, surface orientations, and postprocessing methods were evaluated to determine their influence on wettability. Results showed that the wetting properties of AlSi10Mg printed parts were initially superhydrophilic but transitioned to slightly hydrophilic after prolonged air exposure. Additionally, downskin surfaces exhibited higher roughness due to the presence of fused satellite particles. These findings underscore the inherent instability of wetting behavior in metal alloys produced by L-PBF and highlight the need for further exploration of postprocessing techniques to achieve consistent surface wettability. (c) 2024 Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.