The paper presents the results of tests of surface waviness of samples made in the powder bed fusion technology. The models were built using 316L steel-based powder with high corrosion resistance. The samples were placed on the construction platform at three different angles (0°, 45°, 90°) in XZ plane. Then, using an optical profilometer, the parameters of the geometric structure of the surface of the primary profile and the separated waviness component were measured. Analyzing the results of the test, it can be stated that the orientation of model arrangement has an impact on the quality of the technological surface texture, what has significance impact on wear processes and mechanical properties.
Keywords: 3D printing; SLM technology; freeform surface; rapid prototyping; surface topography; waviness.