Comparing the Cold, Warm, and Hot Deformation Flow Behavior of Selective Laser‐Melted and Electron‐Beam‐Melted Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo Alloy

Abstract

The cold, warm, and hot deformation flow behavior and mechanical properties of the Ti‐6242 alloy produced by selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM) are compared. Hot compression tests are conducted over a wide temperature range (100–1000 °C) at a constant strain rate of 0.001 s−1. The yield and overall strength levels of the SLMed specimens are higher than those of the EBMed specimens at all temperatures. A thermally stable region is observed for SLMed specimens in the temperature range of 100–700 °C, but the strength level drops significantly (approximately 300–500 MPa) at above 700 °C. The stability region shifts to the lower temperature range of 100–600°Cfor the EBMed specimens, and strength starts to decrease at 600 °C. Both specimens experience fracture in a cold‐temperature regime but exhibit a high strain tolerance of approximately 0.4. The SLMed samples display a completely brittle behavior at a warm temperature regime, whereas, the EBMed specimens demonstrate better formability, tolerating higher compressive strains. The softening fraction substantially increases at high temperatures, indicating safe domains for thermomechanical processing of additively manufactured Ti6242 alloy.