Titanium Alloys Manufactured by In Situ Alloying During Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Abstract

This work is focused on the investigation and understanding of in situ processes in Ti-15%Mo and Ti6Al4V-1.38%Cu alloys by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). In both materials, Mo and Cu were introduced as elemental powders into the precursor powder mixture. The effect of process parameters, i.e., energy input on surface morphology and homogeneity, was investigated. The importance of different thermophysical properties of blended powders is also discussed. The chemical composition of phases and phase distribution in sintered materials were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of in situ alloyed as-built LPBF specimens were determined. The results obtained developed knowledge that is important for understanding the in situ alloying process during LPBF, and they create a base for synthesizing new materials.