Postprocess treatments for surface quality improvement, mitigation of defects, and microstructural control

The properties of additively manufactured (AM) metallic parts can substantially fluctuate depending on a diversity of factors: powder feedstock characteristics, process parameters, geometry of the part, etc. In order to achieve high mechanical properties, it is critical to minimize the amount of porosity, mitigate residual stresses, optimize the microstructure, and reduce surface roughness. To that end, postprocess treatments, including thermomechanical treatments, heat treatments, and surface treatments, are essential instruments to obtain parts with high mechanical properties, comparable or superior to those of standard wrought materials. This chapter aims at reviewing various types of posttreatments and highlighting their critical role in enhancing the mechanical performances of AM metallic parts.