Determining rational process parameters for selective laser melting of powder titanium alloy VT6

Abstract

The current pace of development seen by the aerospace industry requires manufacturing techniques that would enable to make parts in the shortest possible timeframe and at minimum cost. Additive manufacturing technology, which is applied in blanking operations, should be described as an innovative area that ensures reduced labour intensity and manufacturing costs. Additive manufacturing technology allows to obtain blanks that are close to the geometry of the final part, i.e. near net shape parts. Additive technology makes it possible to produce unique hollow parts with sophisticated cooling channels of any shape, as well as mesh filter elements with the cell size determined by the size of the powder granules. Thus, printing of parts using metal powders would be of special interest for the aerospace industry. Selective laser melting (SLM) as one of the additive manufacturing areas is of relevance for the aerospace industry as it enables to obtain parts with a more sophisticated geometry in comparison with conventional technology. One of the key stages in the SLM process design that defines the mechanical properties of the synthesized material includes identifying rational parameters of scanning. This paper describes the results of a study that attempted to determine rational scanning parameters for powder titanium alloy VT6. Rational parameters of scanning were established through statistical processing of experimental data. Thus, they include the laser power of 275 W, the scanning pitch of 0.12 mm, the scanning speed of 805 mm/sec, with the layer thickness of 50 μm. The paper describes the results of a uniaxial tensile test carried out with cylindrical specimens produced at 0o, 45o and 90o to the dosing unit and at 0o, 45o, 60o, 90o to the base platform.The research work described in this paper was carried out by the staff of the Shared Knowledge Centre on its equipment using CAM technology; Agreement No. RFMEFI59314X0003.