Mechanical properties characterization of Ti-6Al-4 V grade 5 (recycled) additively manufactured by selective electron beam melting (EB-PBF)

Abstract

Additive manufacturing, a rapidly expanding technology, enables the production of intricate parts through the successive layering of materials. However, there remains a dearth of research on the viability of incorporating recycled powder into this process, with the potential to decrease expenses and enhance sustainability. This study's objective is to investigate the ramifications of employing recycled Titanium Ti-6Al-4 V alloy powder, for up to ten cycles, without the addition of virgin powder, in the context of additive manufacturing. The findings reveal that the mechanical properties of the material experience an approximate 40 % degradation in comparison to virgin powder. In ultrasonic very high-cycle fatigue tests (VHCF), the failure stress in the Z direction for additive manufacturing EB-PBF equals or surpasses 245 MPa. This research makes a significant contribution to the sustainable advancement of additive manufacturing, as it demonstrates the potential for recycling Titanium Ti-6Al-4 V grade 5 powder for the production of new items. This not only reduces costs but also serves the environment by circumventing unnecessary material disposal. Consequently, the outcomes of this investigation underscore the promising prospects of additive manufacturing with recycled powder, ushering in fresh opportunities for the industry, especially with regards to sustainability and environmental responsibility.