Laser polishing of a high-entropy alloy manufactured by selective laser melting

The selective laser melting (SLM) technique applied to high-entropy alloys (HEAs) has attracted considerable attention in recent years. However, its practical application has been restricted by poor surface quality. In this study, the capability of laser polishing on the rough surface of a Co-free HEA fabricated using SLM was examined. Results show that the initial SLM-manufactured (as-SLMed) surface of the Co-free HEA, with a roughness exceeding 3.0 µm, could be refined to less than 0.5 µm by laser polishing. Moreover, the microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of the laser-polished (LP-ed) zone were investigated. Results indicate that compared with the microhardness and wear resistance of the as-SLMed layer, those of the LP-ed layer decreased by 4% and 11%, respectively, because of the increase in grain size and reduction of the BCC phase. This study shows that laser polishing has an excellent application prospect in surface improvement of HEAs manufactured by SLM. [graphic not available: see fulltext]