Additive manufacturing of layer of Ti6Al4V alloy: morphology and metallurgical properties

Additive manufacturing of Ti6Al4V alloy film is considered and the morphological and metallurgical characteristics of the film are investigated. Analytical tools are used to characterise the printed alloy layer. The surface texture and microhardness of the layer are examined and the friction coefficient of the layer surface is assessed using the micro-tribometer. It is found that the alloy layer manufactured is free from large-scale asperities including micro-cracks and deep voids; however, few small pores sites are apparent on the surface because of the gasification and air release from the loose powders during the processing Microhardness of the top surface is higher than that of conventionally produced alloy surface. The friction coefficient of the surface remains lower than that of the conventional alloy surface. In the central region of the layer cross section, the columnar structures are developed and slanted grains are formed in the close region of the top and the bottom surface of the layer.