Microstructure and mechanical behaviour of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy produced by selective laser melting
Selective laser melting (SLM) is an advanced manufacturing technology providing alternative method of producing complex components directly from 3D computer models. The purpose of this work is to determine the influence of the SLM manufacturing strategy on mechanical properties and microstructure of the as-built Ti-Al-Nb alloy. Specimens of Ti-6Al-7Nb were produced in three versions of the specimen axis orientation with respect to its build direction. Mechanical characteristics of the alloy were determined by tensile and compression testing, as well as hardness measurements. Microstructures were characterised utilising optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. It was found that the as-built Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy has microstructure of {alpha}' martensite hardened by dispersive precipitates of the second phase, which results in higher tensile and compressive strengths, but lower ductility in comparison to those of an alloy manufactured by conventional methods. The layered microstructure of the material gives it a significant anisotropy of Young's modulus, moderate anisotropy of mechanical properties, but strong anisotropy of sensitivity to the build porosity. The paper develops understanding of the relationships between the strategy of layered manufacturing of the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy and its microstructural and mechanical characteristics. This is important for future applications of the SLM technology for producing Ti-6Al-7Nb parts, e.g. the custom medical implants. - Research Highlights: {yields} The as-built SLM Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy has a layered microstructure of {alpha}' martensite. {yields} Size and orientation of the {alpha}' plates are determined by the SLM building strategy. {yields} The layered microstructure gives the alloy an anisotropy of Young's modulus. {yields} The building strategy influences anisotropy of material sensitivity to the built porosity.
- OSTI ID:
- 22066359
- Journal Information:
- Materials Characterization, Vol. 62, Issue 5; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1044-5803
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ALUMINIUM ALLOYS
ANISOTROPY
COMPRESSION
COMPRESSION STRENGTH
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DUCTILITY
HARDNESS
LASER RADIATION
MARTENSITE
MATERIALS TESTING
MELTING
MICROSTRUCTURE
NIOBIUM ALLOYS
POROSITY
PRECIPITATION
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SCANNING LIGHT MICROSCOPY
TITANIUM BASE ALLOYS
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
YOUNG MODULUS