Study of mechanical and tribological properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy fabricated by powder bed fusion laser beam

ABSTRACT

Powder bed fusion laser beam, as one of the most promising forming technologies, offers unmatched benefits over traditional processing, particularly in the production of Ti–6Al–4V. The influence of laser line energy density (LLED) on the forming surface, phase composition, micro-hardness, tensile characteristics and wear resistance of Ti–6Al–4V alloy were explored to disclose the evolution of mechanical and tribological properties. According to the findings, the LLED causes ‘depressions’ and ‘highlands’ between nearby scanning tracks. The phase composition did not alter appreciably as LLED increased. Micro-hardness and tensile characteristics increased initially, then declined, and the value of maximum micro-hardness and ultimate tensile strength were 388.17 HV_0.2 and 1197.5 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, when the LLED is 0.24 J mm^–1, the wear resistance is optimal under the aviation lubricant medium, with an average friction coefficient of 0.1505 and volume wear rate of 6.95∗10⁻⁸ mm²∗N⁻¹, and a wear mechanism of mild furrow wear and adhesion wear.

KEYWORDS:

• Powder bed fusion laser beam (PBF-LB)
• Ti–6Al–4V
• laser line energy density (LLED)
• mechanical and tribological properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 51675232].

Notes on contributors

Xiaojie Shi

Xiaojie Shi, PhD student, research direction: laser additive manufacturing.

Peipei Lu

Peipei Lu, PhD student, research direction: metal porous materials.

Xiu Ye

Xiu Ye, PhD student, research direction: laser additive manufacturing.

Shuai Ren

Shuai Ren, PhD student, research direction: numerical simulation of additive manufacturing process.

Yiyao Wang

Yiyao Wang, PhD student, research direction: 3D printing and coatings.

Ziwen Xie

Ziwen Xie, PhD student, research direction: laser additive manufacturing.

Yiqing Ma

Yiqing Ma, PhD student, research direction: laser additive manufacturing.

Xiaojin Miao

Xiaojin Miao holds a PhD from Jiangnan University, lecturer, research direction: 3D printing and coatings.

Meiping Wu

Meiping Wu holds a PhD from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Professor, research direction: laser additive manufacturing.