Future Trends and Challenges in Super-finishing Processes

This chapter focuses on the future trends and challenges in super-finishing processes after metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes. With the increasing use of metal AM techniques in various industries, there is a growing need for efficient and effective post-processing techniques to improve the quality and functionality of these products. The chapter highlights the microstructural features and mechanical properties of metal AM products that influence the selection of super-finishing techniques. It also discusses the different super-finishing techniques that can be employed to enhance the surface finish of AM products, such as abrasive machining, sanding, mass finishing, coating, burnishing, bonding and electrochemical polishing. The chapter further explores the challenges faced by manufacturers in achieving the desired surface finish and suggests possible solutions to overcome them. Finally, the chapter proposes several future research directions to enhance the effectiveness of super-finishing processes after metal AM.