# Comparison of Surface Morphology and Topography of Additively Manufactured SS 316L Steel After AWJM in Dependence on Layer Orientation

## TL;DR

This paper studies how abrasive waterjet machining affects the surface of 3D-printed stainless steel, focusing on how layer orientation influences the results.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into how layer orientation affects surface morphology and topography after abrasive waterjet machining of additively manufactured SS 316L steel.

## Key findings

- Surface roughness parameters were significantly affected by layer orientation and machining quality.
- Fragmented abrasive particles were detected in the cut areas using SEM and EDS analysis.
- Layer orientation influences the mechanical properties and surface characteristics of the machined parts.

## Abstract

Additively manufactured stainless steels are gaining considerable attention in the production of complex components, especially in the aerospace, food production, energy, and biomedical industries. Machining and achieving the desired surface properties of such materials remains a challenge. Abrasive waterjet machining technology appears to be one of the options due to the advantages it brings. Removing support structures and separating individual parts is also one of the possible applications of this technology. This study investigates the effects of process parameters for individual cut qualities (Q1–Q5) of abrasive waterjet on the surface properties of additively manufactured stainless steel (SS 316L) specimens, considering the different mechanical properties of the material due to the direction of layering of the material during its production. Experimental specimens were prepared by selective laser melting technology with parameters ensuring the best possible quality of the resulting part. The results of the study showed changes in the topography of the machined surface, especially in the roughness parameters. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy analysis proved the presence of fragmented abrasive particles in the cut areas.