Abstract Support structures are needed due to the complexities of induced structural, thermal and process factors in Selective Laser Melting (SLM). To date, little systematic study is found to unveil the support removability by a post-machining process. This paper presents an experimental study of removing 316L stainless steel cone and block supports by milling. The effect of different supports is identified by the variation in the microhardness distribution and microstructure of the workpieces. The milling performance of cone and block supports at different cutting depths is studied on the surface finish, surface roughness, milling force, and tool wear and chip formation. The cone supports are subjected to severe collapse, whilst the block supports are mainly removed by localized shearing. The milling force and specific cutting energy of cutting block supports are lower than that of cone supports, and so is the tool wear. A finite element method (FEM) model is developed to explain the removal mechanisms. The results of this study provide an essential reference and unique insight into removal of metal support structures. Moreover, the removability of supports, which is derived from the post-processing stage, should be considered as a new factor in the support design for additive manufacturing.

中文翻译：

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通过选择性激光熔化 (SLM) 制造的 316L 不锈钢锥体和块体支撑结构的可移除性

摘要 由于选择性激光熔化 (SLM) 中诱导结构、热和工艺因素的复杂性，需要支撑结构。迄今为止，很少有系统研究揭示后加工过程的支撑可移除性。本文介绍了通过铣削去除 316L 不锈钢锥和块支撑的实验研究。不同支撑的影响通过工件的显微硬度分布和微观结构的变化来识别。从表面光洁度、表面粗糙度、铣削力、刀具磨损和切屑形成等方面研究了锥体和块体支撑在不同切削深度下的铣削性能。锥体支座严重坍塌，而块支座主要通过局部剪切拆除。切削块支架的铣削力和切削比能量低于锥体支架，刀具磨损也小。开发了一种有限元方法 (FEM) 模型来解释去除机制。这项研究的结果为去除金属支撑结构提供了重要的参考和独特的见解。此外，源自后处理阶段的支撑的可移除性应被视为增材制造支撑设计中的一个新因素。