Wide-Temperature Characteristics of Additively PBF-LB/M Processed Material Ti6Al4V

Abstract

Titanium-based alloys are a widely applicable engineering material with high strength, low weight, non-magnetic, and corrosion resistance. At the same time, resistance to low temperatures is declared, which offers the material’s applicability for, e.g., aircraft or ship technology. Additive technologies are part of the industrial spectrum of material processing, especially the Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals method for metal alloys, which creates a layered structure of the resulting body. The topology of the internal structure, in relation to the temperature history of the functional environment, influences thermal expansion and the associated functional characteristics. Knowledge of the thermal expansion of printed strength and non-strength functional components and accessories is essential for future applications, especially in environments with high repeatable temperature changes, such as the aerospace industry. This paper presents the results of testing the expansion, mechanical, microstructural, and mineralogical characteristics of Ti6Al4V over the temperature range of −70 to 60 °C using a combination of instrumental techniques such as X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation. It was found that the topological orientations of the printed samples directly influenced the tested properties, e.g., the coefficient of thermal expansion in the direction perpendicular to the printed layers showed approximately 12% lower value compared to the other directions. Due to the progression of the application of the manufacturing method and its applicability within selected industries, the research provides results in a new area, which is supported by the relevant research.