Structure, Texture and Tensile Properties of Ti6Al4V Produced by Selective Laser Melting

Additive manufacturing has recently expanded its potential with the development of selective laser melting (SLM) of metallic powders. This study investigates the relation between the mechanical properties and the microstructure of Ti6Al4V alloy produced by SLM followed by a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment. HIP treatment minimizes the detrimental influence of material defects. Tensile specimens produced with reference to specific building axes were prepared using a Renishaw A250 system. It has been found that the tensile strength and elongation depend on specimen building direction. Microstructural and textural characterizations were carried out to identify the source of differences.