SURFACE QUALITY CHARACTERIZATION AFTER POLISHING ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED SUPERALLOYS USING FLEXIBLE ABRASIVE TOOLS
Description
The research hypothesis was that abrasive brush polishing, particularly with a conformable non-woven disc, can significantly reduce the surface roughness of LPBF Inconel 718 without degrading hardness or residual stress distributions. Three brush types were initially screened (radial bristle, fan-core, and Scotch-Brite™ strip disc), and the most effective tool (Scotch-Brite™) was subsequently optimized. Data content: 3D surface maps/point clouds (Alicona Infinite Focus G5) before and after polishing (TXT). 2D roughness profiles (Ra, Rz) from transverse scans (CSV/PDF) before and after polishing. Residual stress depth profiles (CSV/PNG) from hole-drilling measurements. Rockwell hardness values (XLSX) before and after polishing. Process parameters (XLSX) including cutting speed, feed, passes, and tool specifications. Python scripts (.py) implementing the “peak accumulation” metric, which quantifies critical asperities above a 95th percentile height threshold. How data were gathered: Polishing trials were performed on flat LPBF Inconel 718 coupons using a MAZAK INTEGREX i-200 multitasking machining center. Surface characterization included Alicona 3D optical microscopy, roughness meter scans, Rockwell durometer testing, metallographic microscopy, and hole-drilling strain-gauge residual stress analysis. Infrared thermography was used to monitor surface temperatures during brushing. Main findings: Screening phase: Scotch-Brite™ strip disc reduced Ra and Rz by ≈56%. Optimized phase: Ra decreased from 5.3 → 1.3 µm (−75%), Rz from 25.4 → 6.8 µm (−73%). Surface integrity: hardness (~49 HRC) and residual stress profiles remained unaffected. Peak accumulation analysis: aligned LPBF ridges were effectively removed, with the critical area index reduced by ~80%. How to use the data: The dataset enables replication of the experimental workflow, validation of the peak-accumulation metric, and comparison of polishing efficiency under different tools and parameters. It is reusable for studies on fatigue, corrosion, or complex geometries in additive manufacturing finishing.
Files
Institutions
- Universidad del Pais Vasco Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieria de Bilbao