Manufacturing and characterization of in-situ alloyed Ti6Al4V(ELI)-3 at.% Cu by laser powder bed fusion

• DOI: 10.1016/j.addma.2020.101436
• Publication Date: 2020-07-04T15:23:50Z
• Authors: A.M. Vilardell; I. Yadroitsev; I. Yadroitsava; M. Albu; N. Takata; M. Kobashi; P. Krakhmalev; D. Kouprianoff; G. Kothleitner; A. du Plessis
• Keywords: Characterization; Titanium alloy

Biofunctionalization of Ti6Al4V alloy with metallic agents like Ag or Cu is a promising approach to add antibacterial properties and thus reduce the risk implant failure. This research investigates in-situ alloying Ti6Al4V(ELI) 3 at.% powders using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF). The morphology geometrical characteristics single tracks layers were studied. powers 170 W 340 W, scanning speeds ranging from 0.4 1.4 m/s 0.8–2.8 implemented. Single track results showed balling effect humping at high speeds, 1.6 m/s, for each laser powder respectively. Conversely, keyhole formation occurred lower 0.4–0.6 power, below 0.8 power. For both powers, resulted in smoother surfaces speeds. These used development optimal process parameters 3D cubes 99.9 % density. Optimal found 0.7−0.9 1.0–1.2 In-situ by L-PBF was challenging homogeneous distribution within hard achieve. increase power small homogenization. Microstructural analyses after stress-relieving treatment presence α' β phases, as well CuTi2 intermetallic precipitates. finer microstructure together precipitates an hardness. study demonstrates potential printing alloyed Ti6Al4V(ELI)- biomedical applications. However, further studies are required determine effectiveness properties.