Microstructure Evolution, Tensile Properties, and Fatigue Damage Mechanisms in Ti-6Al-4V Alloys Fabricated by Two Additive Manufacturing Techniques

Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology is capable of building 3D near-net-shaped functional parts directly from computer models, using unit materials, such as powder or wire. AM offers superior geometrical flexibility with significantly reduced manufacturing lead time, energy, and material waste. These benefits make AM desirable for critical transportation applications, providing that structural integrity and performance requirements are met or exceeded. In this study, structural materials fabricated by two AM techniques were investigated: Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). Ti-6Al-4 V alloys were produced using both methods and various processing conditions, which resulted in different microstructures and mechanical properties given their unique thermal histories. Characteristic microstructures were determined for all cases. Room temperature tensile and fatigue crack growth (FCG) properties were also evaluated and compared in different orientations with respect to the deposition direction. The effects of post-deposition heat treatment on tensile and FCG properties were determined. The results are systematically presented and discussed from both the material/process optimization, as well as structural design and fatigue life prediction perspectives.