Correlation between surface tension and fatigue properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated by EBM additive manufacturing

Abstract

The powder bed fusion method using a heat source for 3D printing can be applied to fabricate the geometrical shapes of some parts, and enables rapid melting and cooling. 3D EBM additive manufacturing can supply a near-net-shape or net-shape and precise parts better than micro scale casting and precision casting. Casting parts have residual stress in the matrix and their microstructure, which can affect the dynamic properties, but if they are heat-treated under the optimal conditions, the residual stress can be reduced to enhance the dynamic-mechanical properties of 3D printed parts. In this study, Ti-6Al-4V bulk bars were fabricated by EBM additive manufacturing, and the microstructures, residual stress, and various interior defects of the specimens were analyzed. The residual stress and surface tension were measured and calculated in different specimens heat-treated at 850–950 °C. The relationship between the residual stress and surface tension was explained using the related equations and the influence on the high cycle fatigue properties was evaluated.