Direct Laser Metal Deposition of Objects from Gradient Materials using Soluble Supports
The paper presents a method for chemical and electrochemical dissolution of supporting structures in 316L stainless steel parts obtained by technology of direct metal laser deposition. By creating a gradient structure using powders of different compositions, it is possible to control local areas of pickling of the material in acid. A readily soluble in nitric acid powder was selected to grow the supports, while 316L is highly resistant to it. After that, support was removed by using some technologies, which allow to speed up the etching process.