Effect of Overlapping Remelting on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser-Melted Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a common technology of additive manufacturing in which the factors determining the final performance are laser power, scanning speed, powder thickness, energy density, to name a few. Herein, the mechanical properties and microstructures of Ti-6Al-4 V alloy prints, prepared by SLM technology under different overlapping remelting areas and energy densities, are systematically investigated. The results indicate that with the overlapping remelting area and energy densities increasing, the maximum pore diameter and the number of relatively large pore decrease, and the thickness of the prior-beta lamellae and the number of the nano-beta phase precipitated increase, which plays a significant role in the mechanical properties. Concretely, the mechanical performances of the as-built Ti-6Al-4 V alloys are enhanced due to the decrease of large pores. Moreover, the beta phase precipitated and the thick beta lamellae can dramatically improve the strength and plasticity, respectively. When the overlapping ratio and volume energy density reach up to 20% and 44.05 J mm(-3), respectively, the comprehensive mechanical properties under the synergistic effect of pores and microstructures stand out.

Automated summary

Selective laser melting (SLM) technology was used to fabricate Ti-6Al-4V alloy prints with varying overlapping remelting areas and energy densities, resulting in improved mechanical properties. Increasing overlapping remelting area and energy densities led to decreased pore size and increased nano-beta phase precipitation, enhancing the overall mechanical performance of the material.