Influence of the filler metal on the mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V electron beam weldments

The influence of various filler metals on the mechanical properties of 17 mm thick Ti-6Al-4V electron beam welded joints has been analysed. Autogeneous welded joints exhibit higher toughness when compared to the parent plate but this improvement was less marked than that observed in plasma arc welded joints. To achieve better toughness, without suffering unacceptable losses of strength, different morphologies of commercially pure titanium filler metals have been employed. Using 0.50 mm thick sheet as filler metal leaded to maximum toughness but as counterpart a significant decrease in strength was observed. To obtain high toughness while maintaining a high strength level 0.25 mm sheet and 1 mm diameter filler metals are recommended. Fractographic examination of the failed specimens helped to explain the fracture behaviour of the different welded joints.