Variable amplitude loading of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V subjected to surface post processes

The fatigue life of additively manufactured metals need to be improved before they can be introduced to flight critical aerospace structural applications. In this study, laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and electron beam powder bed fusion (E-PBF) Ti6Al4V material were therefore subjected to four different surface post processes. Furthermore, variable amplitude fatigue testing were performed and compared to fatigue life predictions based on constant amplitude fatigue tests using a cumulative damage approach. The predictions were in good ac-cordance with the experimental results and post processed L-PBF and E-PBF material showed an increase in fatigue life with > 5 times.

Automated summary

Different surface post processes were applied to additively manufactured metals, followed by fatigue testing and predictions. The experimental results showed that the post processed materials exhibited an increase in fatigue life of over 5 times.