Abstract
The paper investigates the fabrication of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) titanium alloy Ti6Al4V micro-lattice structures for the production of lightweight components. Specifically, the pillar textile unit cell is used as base lattice structure and alternative lattice topologies including reinforcing vertical bars are also considered. Detailed characterizations of dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and micro-hardness are performed. In addition, compression tests are carried out in order to evaluate the mechanical strength and the energy absorbed per unit mass of the lattice truss specimens made by SLM. The built structures have a relative density ranging between 0.2234 and 0.5822. An optimization procedure is implemented via the method of Taguchi to identify the optimal geometric configuration which maximizes peak strength and energy absorbed per unit mass.
Highlights
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a process which belongs to Rapid Manufacturing (RM), which directly produces end-use products or parts
The lattice structure considered in the experimental phase is a pillar textile one, comprised of four vertical strut columns and four couples of struts inclined at ±45° with respect to cell axes of symmetry
Before the part removal from the platform, a heat treatment was carried out at 650 °C for 2 h in argon atmosphere in order to avoid oxidation. The aim of this procedure is to operate a relief of stresses due to high thermal gradients experienced during the manufacturing process
Summary
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a process which belongs to Rapid Manufacturing (RM), which directly produces end-use products or parts. Technologies, results mainly from the ability to create metal parts with complex shapes and intrinsic engineered features This technique is interesting for the possibility of producing parts with mechanical properties better or at least comparable with those of components produced with traditional processes. Implants are traditionally manufactured via investment casting, forging or machining, and formed by different components with bulk properties that are optimized for particular design criteria, such as bio-compatibility, strength, flexibility, wear resistance or bone ingrowth. These parts are bonded or mechanically attached together. The performance of these structures were analysed in terms of dimensional accuracy, roughness, micro-hardness, mechanical strength under compression and energy absorbed per unit mass
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