Open Access Conference Proceedings

This study investigates chemical and electrochemical post-processing of additively manufactured WE43 Mg alloy in order to remove adhered partially melted powder particles. The objective was to evaluate the influence of different etching media on surface morphology, strut removal uniformity, and the extent of localized corrosion damage. Chemical etching was performed in 30% and 50% H3PO4 solutions. In both cases, intensive strut surface phosphating occurred, accompanied by excessive material dissolution and localized corrosion attack of the base struts. Etching in a 5% mixture of HCl and HNO3 resulted in visible pitting and significant surface oxidation. The most favorable results were achieved by electrochemical etching in a 5% HNO₃ solution in water-ethanol mixture for 300 s under applied voltage of 1V. This treatment enabled controlled and homogeneous removing of adhered particles without pronounced corrosion attack and minimal oxidation of base struts compared to the other tested conditions. The results demonstrate that appropriately selected electrochemical parameters provide a more controlled surface modification route for additively manufactured WE43 alloy, minimizing localized corrosion effect while ensuring uniform surface refinement. The findings contribute to optimizing post-processing strategies for Mg alloys produced by additive manufacturing, where controlled surface quality and preservation of structural integrity are critical for subsequent functional performance.

Keywords: WE43, magnesium alloy, etching, additive manufacturing, post processing

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