Materials, Methods & Technologies, Volume 17, 2023

Abstract: There are two main reasons why researchers are looking for solutions to improve the surface characteristics of products produced by 3D printing (most often by SLM, DMLS technologies):low hardness and the low tribological characteristics of titanium alloys, which limit their application in friction assemblies in many industrial branches; high roughness and defects such as irregularities, micropores, and cracks on the surface of 3D titanium products, which require complex labor-intensive and energy-intensive finishing operations. In the present work, an analysis of literary sources was carried out on ways to improve the surface characteristics and properties of titanium surfaces produced by selective laser melting (SLM). The technological characteristics of the electrospark deposition method as the lightest, most accessible and inexpensive way to improve the surface qualities of 3D products are indicated. The authors' results are presented, where reactive electrospark treatment based on the ESD method has been used based on the ESD method. A simultaneous multidirectional effect is achieved, which is expressed in: up to a fivefold reduction in the roughness of 3D titanium surfaces; filling of the surface pores, cavities and voids; a double increase of microhardness of the modified surfaces; ecological replacement of finishing treatments and economy of labor, equipment, consumables, and energy. Appropriate process and electrical parameters and materials are indicated to realize the above effects.