Towards Qualification in the Aviation Industry: Impact Toughness of Ti6Al4V(ELI) Specimens Produced through Laser Powder Bed Fusion Followed by Two-Stage Heat Treatment

Abstract

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) has the potential to be applied in the production of titanium aircraft components with good mechanical properties, provided the technology has been qualified and accepted in the aviation industry. To achieve acceptance of the L-PBF technology in the aircraft industry, mechanical property data needed for the qualification process must be generated according to accepted testing standards. The impact toughness of Ti6Al4V extra low interstitial (ELI) specimens, produced through L-PBF followed by annealing, was investigated in this study. Charpy impact testing complying with American Standard Test Method (ASTM) E23 was performed with specimens annealed and conditioned at low temperature. On average, the toughness recorded for the specimens with 3D-printed and machined V-notches was 28 J and 31 J, respectively. These results are higher than the 24 J required in the aerospace industry. Finally, fractographic analyses of the fracture surfaces of the specimens were performed to determine the fracture mechanism of the Ti6Al4V(ELI) impact specimens.