This work is focused on the analysis of the influence of welding on the properties and microstructure of the AISI316L stainless steel tube produced by 3D printing, specifically the SLM (Selective Laser Melting) method. Both non-destructive and destructive tests, including metallographic and fractographic analyses, were performed within the experiment. Microstructure analysis shows that the initial texture of the 3D print disappears toward the fuse boundary. It is evident that high temperature during welding has a positive effect on microstructure. Material failure occurred in the base material near the heat affected zone (HAZ). The results obtained show the fundamental influence of SLM technology in terms of material defects, on the properties of welded joints.

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The properties of protective coatings made from organic coatings on metallic substrates strongly depend on the condition of the substrate surface. This refers to the condition of the edges, welds, and the surface in general. Edge treatment is one of the most important operations prior to the actual coating application. The coating's protective properties and its susceptibility to mechanical damage are directly affected by the edge treatment. The article deals with the problem of edge treatment of the base material and the effect of this treatment on the quality of surface finishing. The edges were modified in three ways on the prepared Kosmalt E 300 T samples. Subsequently, some samples were hot-dip galvanized. An organic coating was then applied as the final surface treatment to all samples. The evaluation of the quality of the surface finishing was carried out on the above-mentioned, differently treated edges. The results strongly indicate the importance of the condition of the substrate surface and its influence on the quality of the final surface finish.

This study investigates the effects of centrifugal and vibratory tumbling on the surface quality of M300 maraging steel components produced using Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Surface roughness is a critical issue in SLM, impacting mechanical properties and overall performance. To address this, two abrasive finishing methods were applied using ceramic, plastic, and porcelain media. Evaluations were performed using 2D and 3D surface roughness measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and wettability analysis. Centrifugal tumbling, particularly with ceramic media, demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing surface roughness, achieving an Sa value as low as 0.39 μm. In contrast, vibratory tumbling showed limited improvement. EDS analysis highlighted a reduction in titanium content and an increase in silicon concentration, likely due to surface layer removal and media interaction. Wettability analysis further confirmed enhanced surface properties, with a reduced contact angle of 60°, promoting better adhesion. These findings emphasize the superiority of centrifugal tumbling for enhancing surface quality in SLM-printed M300 maraging steel components. This cost-effective post-processing technique offers practical applications for industries seeking improved surface integrity and functional performance in critical components.

Electrodeposition of metallic coatings represents a promising approach for extending the functional properties of additively manufactured polymer components. However, the resulting coating morphology may be influenced not only by the deposition conditions but also by the material and initial topography of the polymer substrate. In this study, the formation of electrodeposited copper (Cu) layers was investigated on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) substrates made of polylactic acid (PLA), PLA containing carbon fibres (PLA-CF), PLA containing brass particles (PLA-Brass), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG), with different initial surface morphologies generated using three printing strategies. All samples received a conductive graphite interlayer and were subsequently electroplated under identical electrochemical conditions. The resulting Cu layers were characterised using cross-sectional observations and non-destructive 3D surface topography analysis. The results showed that the Cu coating retained the basic morphological character of the FFF substrate; however, its resulting topography was not a simple geometric replica of the original surface. Differences among the investigated materials and initial surface topographies remained evident despite identical deposition conditions. Cu layer formation was associated with changes in the peak and valley regions of the surface and local bridging of deeper depressions. The results demonstrate the importance of both substrate material and initial FFF surface topography in determining the resulting morphology of electrodeposited Cu coatings and indicate the potential of 3D surface topography analysis for non-destructive characterisation of Cu surface morphology.