Effects of process parameters on selective laser melting of Ti6Al4V-ELI alloy and parameter optimization via response surface method

Abstract

Selective laser melting (SLM) allows for manufacturing intricate and accurate component designs that are challenging, expensive, or impossible to achieve using traditional methods. To achieve a high-quality final product with SLM, it is necessary to optimize the process parameters carefully. This optimization helps to minimize internal structural defects and control the microstructure. In this study, the optimum production parameters of Ti6Al4V alloy were determined using the Response Surface Method (RSM). The micro-CT analysis was utilized to calculate the relative densities of the samples fabricated using different production parameters. Furthermore, the influence of heat treatment, conducted below and above the β transformation temperature, on the mechanical properties was examined. The results were analyzed by considering the microstructure images obtained from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The optimum production parameters for the SLM method were found to be 80W laser power, 1125 mm/s scanning speed, 25 μm layer thickness, and 45 μm hatch distance. Samples created with these optimized parameters achieved 99.919% relative density, 1050 MPa ultimate tensile stress, and 13.8% elongation, surpassing the minimum standards outlined in ASTM F3001-14. Additionally, the systematic parameter reduction approach used in the study led to savings in both powder consumption and time in SLM, a method that could be applied to various metallic materials.