SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF Ti6Al4V ALLOY PRODUCED BY LASER POWDER BED FUSION

Abstract

Controlling the surface roughness of materials manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is critical for achieving functional performance of components and improving their mechanical properties. This is important for components whose surfaces cannot be post-treated using subtractive methods. In this study, the surface roughness has been investigated by applying different laser power and scanning speed combinations. Furthermore, potential effects of different locations on the build platform have been considered as well. The regression models have been developed using significant predictor variables, with their levels defined using face-centered central composite design. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure has been used to evaluate the statistical significance of factors and model performances for each prediction variable. It has been found that the average surface roughness of L-PBF Ti6Al4V alloy can be described with high fitting accuracy using laser power and scanning speed as predictor variables. The position of specimens on the build platform showed no statistically significant effect on the average surface roughness. The experimental research and statistical analysis reported in this paper will contribute to a better understanding of how position, laser power, and scanning speed influence the average surface roughness of L-PBF Ti6Al4V alloy.