Study on the influence of process parameters on high performance Ti-6Al-4V parts in laser powder bed fusion

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve the performance and quality of Ti-6Al-4V fabricated by laser powder bed fusion.Design/methodology/approachSingle-track experiments were conducted during the fabrication process to obtain the single tracks with excellent wettability to narrow the process parameter window. The effects of process parameters on the build surface, cross-section, relative density, defects, surface roughness, microstructure and mechanical properties of the parts were analyzed through multilayer fabrication experiments and surface optimization experiments.FindingsThe point distance has the greatest influence on the build surface of the fabricated parts, and the unmelted defects can be eliminated when the point distance is 35 µm. The relative density of the fabricated parts decreased with the increase of the point distance, and the hatch spacing has different characteristics with respect to the relative density of the fabricated parts under different laser powers. It was observed that the most of experimental groups with higher relative densities than 99%, and the highest density could reach 99.99%. The surface roughness can be reduced to less than 10 µm through remelting optimization.Originality/valueThe research results can provide theoretical support for scientific researchers and data support for engineers.