Tensile behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated by selective laser melting: effects of microstructures and as-built surface quality

Selective laser melting(SLM) is a powerful additive manufacturing(AM) technology, of which the most prominent advantage is the ability to produce components with a complex geometry. The service performances of the SLM-processed components depend on the microstructure and surface quality. In this work, the microstructures, mechanical properties, and fracture behaviors of SLM-processed Ti-6 Al-4 V alloy under machined and as-built surfaces after annealing treatments and hot isostatic pressing(HIP) were investigated. The microstructures were analyzed by optical microscope(OM), scanning electron microscope(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The mechanical properties were measured by tensile testing at room temperature. The results indicate that the as-deposited microstructures are characterized by columnar grains and fine brittle martensite and the asdeposited properties present high strength, low ductility and obvious anisotropy. After annealing at 800-900°C for 2-4 h and HIP at 920°C/100 MPa for 2 h, the brittle martensite could be transformed into ductile lamellar(α+β) microstructure and the static tensile properties of SLM-processed Ti-6 Al-4 V alloys in the machined condition could be comparable to that of wrought materials. Even after HIP treatment, the as-built surfaces could decrease the ductility and reduction of area of SLM-processed Ti-6 Al-4 V alloys to 9.2% and 20%, respectively. The crack initiation could occur at the columnar grain boundaries or at the as-built surfaces. The lamellar(α+β) microstructures and columnar grains could hinder or distort the crack propagation path during tensile tests.

Surface modification of biomedical Mg-Ca and Mg-Zn-Ca alloys using selective laser melting: Corrosion behaviour, microhardness and biocompatibility

Magnesium alloys such as Mg–Ca and Mg–Zn–Ca are good orthopaedic materials;however their tendency to corrode is high.Herein we utilize selective laser melting(SLM)to modify the surface of these Mg alloys to simultaneously improve the corrosion behaviour and microhardness.The corrosion rate decreased from 2.1±0.2 mm/y to 1.0±0.1 mm/y for the laser-processed Mg–0.6Ca,and from 1.6±0.1 mm/y to 0.7±0.2 mm/y for laser-processed Mg–0.5Zn–0.3Ca.The microhardness increased from 46±1 HV to 56±1 HV for Mg–0.6Ca,and from 47±3 HV to 55±3 HV for Mg–0.5Zn–0.3Ca.In addition,good biocompatibility remained in the laser processed Mg alloys.The improved properties are attributed to laser-induced grain refinement,confined impurity elements,residual stress,and modified surface chemistry.The results demonstrated the potential of SLM as a surface engineering approach for developing advanced biomedical Mg alloys.

Study on microstructure and properties of laser surface melted layer of AZ31B magnesium alloy

An attempt has been made to improve the surface properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy through solid solution hardening and refinement of microstructures using a CO2 laser as a heat generating source. X-ray diffraction （XRD） was used to identify the phases. Microstructure and properties of laser melted layer of AZ31B magnesium alloy were observed or tested by means of optical microscope （OM）, scanning electron microscope （SEM）, micro-hardness equipment and electrochemical corrosion equipment etc. The results show that the microstructure of laser melted layer becomes finer significantly and uniform. Compared with the substrate, the content of β-Mg17 Al12 phase of melted layer decreases comparatively. Microhardness of the laser melted layer is improved to 50 -95 HV0. 05 as compared to 40 -45 HV0.05 of the AZ31B Mg alloy substrate. The results of electrochemical corrosion show that the corrosion resistance of laser surface melted layer has been improved.

A review on microstructures and properties of high entropy alloys manufactured by selective laser melting

High entropy alloys(HEAs)with multi-component solid solution microstructures have the potential for large-scale industrial applications due to their excellent mechanical and functional properties.However,the mechanical properties of HEAs limit the selection of processing technologies.Additive manufacturing technology possesses strong processing adaptability,making itthe best candidate method to overcome this issue.This comprehensive review examines the current state of selective laser melting(SLM)of HEAs.Introducing SLM to HEAs processing is motivated by its high quality for dimensional accuracy,geometric complexity,surface roughness,and microstructure.This review focuses on analyzing the current developments and challenges in SLM of HEAs,including defects,microstructures,and properties,as well as strengthing prediction models of fabricated HEAs.This review also offers directions for future studies to address existing challenges and promote technological advancement.

Hierarchical microstructures with high spatial frequency laser induced periodic surface structures possessing different orientations created by femtosecond laser ablation of silicon in liquids

High spatial frequency laser induced periodic surface structures(HSFLs)on silicon substrates are often developed on flat surfaces at low fluences near ablation threshold of 0.1 J/cm2,seldom on microstructures or microgrooves at relatively higher fluences above 1 J/cm^2.This work aims to enrich the variety of HSFLs-containing hierarchical microstructures,by femtosecond laser(pulse duration:457 fs,wavelength:1045 nm,and repetition rate:100 kHz)in liquids(water and acetone)at laser fluence of 1.7 J/cm^2.The period of Si-HSFLs in the range of 110–200 nm is independent of the scanning speeds(0.1,0.5,1 and 2 mm/s),line intervals(5,15 and 20μm)of scanning lines and scanning directions(perpendicular or parallel to light polarization direction).It is interestingly found that besides normal HSFLs whose orientations are perpendicular to the direction of light polarization,both clockwise or anticlockwise randomly tilted HSFLs with a maximal deviation angle of 50°as compared to those of normal HSFLSs are found on the microstructures with height gradients.Raman spectra and SEM characterization jointly clarify that surface melting and nanocapillary waves play important roles in the formation of Si-HSFLs.The fact that no HSFLs are produced by laser ablation in air indicates that moderate melting facilitated with ultrafast liquid cooling is beneficial for the formation of HSFLs by LALs.On the basis of our findings and previous reports,a synergistic formation mechanism for HSFLs at high fluence was proposed and discussed,including thermal melting with the concomitance of ultrafast cooling in liquids,transformation of the molten layers into ripples and nanotips by surface plasmon polaritons(SPP)and second-harmonic generation(SHG),and modulation of Si-HSFLs direction by both nanocapillary waves and the localized electric field coming from the excited large Si particles.

Influence of process parameters and aging treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al Si8Mg3 alloy fabricated by selective laser melting

Many studies have investigated the selective laser melting(SLM)of AlSi10Mg and AlSi7Mg alloys,but there are still lack of researches focused on Al-Si-Mg alloys specifically tailored for SLM.In this work,a novel high Mg-content AlSi8Mg3 alloy was specifically designed for SLM.The results showed that this new alloy exhibited excellent SLM processability with a lowest porosity of 0.07%.Massive lattice distortion led to a high Vickers hardness in samples fabricated at a high laser power due to the precipitation of Mg_(2)Si nanoparticles from theα-Al matrix induced by high-intensity intrinsic heat treatment during SLM.The maximum microhardness and compressive yield strength of the alloy reached HV(211±4)and(526±12)MPa,respectively.After aging treatment at 150℃,the maximum microhardness and compressive yield strength of the samples were further improved to HV(221±4)and(577±5)MPa,respectively.These values are higher than those of most known aluminum alloys fabricated by SLM.This paper provides a new idea for optimizing the mechanical properties of Al-Si-Mg alloys fabricated using SLM.

Microstructure and surface texture driven improvement in in-vitro response of laser surface processed AZ31B magnesium alloy

The present work explored effects of laser surface melting on microstructure and surface topography evolution in AZ31B magnesium alloy.Thermokinetic effects experienced by the material during laser surface melting were simulated using a multiphysics finite element model.Microstructure and phase evolution were examined using scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,and electron back scatter diffraction.Surface topography was evaluated using white light interferometry.The interaction of surface melted samples with simulated body fluid was monitored by contact angle measurements and immersion studies up to 7 days.Laser surface melting led to formation of a refined microstructure with predominantly basal crystallographic texture.Concurrently,the amount ofβphase(Mg_(17)Al_(12))increased with an increase in the laser fluence.βphase preferentially decorated the cell boundaries.In terms of topography,the surface became progressively rougher with an increase in laser fluence.As a result,upon immersion in simulated body fluid,the laser surface melted samples showed an improved wettability,corrosion resistance,and precipitation of mineral having composition closer to the hydroxyapatite bone mineral compared to the untreated sample.

EVOLUTION OF MICROSTRUCTURE OF LASER SURFACE ALLOYING OF γ TiAi ALLOY WITH NITROGEN

Laser surface alloying of γ TiAl alloy with nitrogen was studied under the constant protective nitrogen current (20l /min). The experimental results shown that the surface multi layers formed with experimental parameters could be up to 600μm depth; it consists of TiN,Ti 2AlN,α 2 and γ phases, without AlN, and the irregular coarse continuous “flow” line,dendrite,needle and granular nitrides disperse on the fine dendrite casting α 2 and γ phases substrate. The microstructure and compositions in the nitiding layer were determined and analyzed by SEM and EPMA and the mechanism for the formation of microstructure in the nitriding layer was also discussed.

Influence of hot isostatic pressing on microstructure,properties and deformability of selective laser melting TC4 alloy

The influence of different hot isostatic pressing regimes on microstructure,phase constitution,microhardness,tensile properties and deformability of TC4 alloy fabricated by selective laser melting(SLM)technology was studied.The results show that the microstructure of SLM TC4 alloy is composed of acicular martensiteα’phase,and the sample exhibits high microhardness and strength,but low plasticity.After hot isostatic pressing,acicular martensiteα’phase transforms intoα+βphase,and with the increase of hot isostatic pressing temperature and duration,αphase with coarse lath is gradually refined,and the proportion ofαphase is gradually reduced.Because of the change of phase constitution in SLM TC4 alloy after hot isostatic pressing,the grain refinement strengthening is weakened,the density of dislocation is reduced,so that both microhardness and tensile strength are decreased by around 20%,the elongation is increased by more than about 70%,even over 100%,compared with as-deposited TC4 alloy.When the hot isostatic pressing regime is 940°C/3 h/150 MPa,the tensile strength and the elongation achieve optimal match,which are about890 MPa and around 14.0%in both directions.The fracture mechanism of alloy after 940 oC/3 h/150 MPa HIP is dultile fracture.Hot isostatic pressing causes concave deformation of SLM TC4 alloy thin-walled frames,and the deformation degree increases with the increase of temperature.

Microstructure and properties of AlSi7Mg alloy fabricated by selective laser melting

The AlSi7Mg alloy was fabricated by selective laser melting(SLM),and its microstructure and properties at different building directions after heat treatment were analyzed.Results show that the microstructure of SLM AlSi7Mg samples containes three zones:fine grain zone,coarse grain zone,and heat affected zone.The fine-grain regions locate inside the molten pool,and the grains are equiaxed.The coarse-grain regions locate in the overlap of molten pools.After T6 treatment,the microstructure at the molten pool boundary is still the network eutectic Si,but the network structure becomes discrete,and is composed of intermittent,chain-like eutectic Si particles.The yield strength at three directions(xy,45°,z direction)of the AlSi7Mg alloy samples fabricated by SLM is improved after T6 heat treatment.The fracture mechanism of the samples is a mixed ductile and brittle fracture before heat treatment and ductile fracture after heat treatment.

Surface Characterization of Laser Surface Melted NiTi Shape Memory Alloy in Hanks' Solution

The surface of Ti-50.8Ni at% shape memory alloy was melted by an Nd-YAG laser. The Ti/Ni and Ti4+/Ti atomic concentration ratios at the surface were changed significantly. The Ni ion release rate of the laser melted surface was much lower than that of the mechanical polished samples. A calcium-phosphorous layer with high Ca/P ratio was detected after immersion in Hanks’ solution.

Corrosion resistance of pulsed laser modified AZ31 Mg alloy surfaces

The effect of laser surface melting on the corrosion resistance of AZ31 Mg alloy in 0.1 M NaCl solution was investigated using different laser processing conditions(energy densities of 14 and 17 J cm^(-2)).Laser treatment induced rough surfaces primarily composed of oxidized species of Mg.XPS analysis revealed that the surface concentration of Al increased significantly as a consequence of LSM.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the laser treatment remarkably increased the polarization resistance of the AZ31 Mg alloy and induced a passive-like region of about 100 mV,as determined by potentiodynamic polarization.Analysis of the results obtained provide solid evidence that within the immersion times used in this study,LSM treatment increased the corrosion resistance of AZ31 Mg alloy under open circuit conditions and anodic polarization.

Fabrication and Analysis of Vanadium-Based Metal Powders for Selective Laser Melting

Vanadium Alloy is a type of advanced nuclear material with many ideal properties compared as traditional nuclear materials, which has very wide and important application in first-wall and blanket structural material for fusion power plant applications. So it has attracted increasing attentions, especially on new manufacturing methods, such as selective laser melting and so on. In this paper, the comparative study of the powders obtained by mechanical mixing method, dry grinding method and wet grinding method respectively was performed to evaluate the effect of ball milling process on the microstructure and degree of alloying of the vanadium-based powder mixtures with the nominal composition of V5Cr5Ti vanadium alloy. The powders prepared by dry grinding method exhibits better spherical-like morphology and degree of alloying than those prepared by mechanical mixing method and wet grinding method, which indicates that dry grinding method can be used to prepare the superfine vanadium alloy powders for selective laser melting. This work provides a new method as well as important insights into the preparation of superfine vanadium alloy powders for selective laser melting additive manufacturing technology.

Influence of Electroshocking Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-6.5Al-3.5Mo-1.5Zr-0.3Si Thin-Wall Specimen Manufactured by Laser Melting Deposition

In order to improve the properties of titanium alloys manufactured by laser melting deposition(LMD),the electroshocking treatment(EST)was proposed in this work.The effects of EST on microstructure and mechanical properties of LMD Ti-6.5Al-3.5Mo-1.5Zr-0.3Si were investigated.The results showed that the width of the heat affected band decreased and disappeared under the thermal and athermal effects of EST,resulting in the uniform microstructure.In the microstructure,theαlaths became coarser gradually,and the quantity ofα/βinterface was reduced.The reduction of the quantity ofα/βinterface leads to make less resistant to dislocation,resulting in the reduction in hardness and strength.The discontinuous grain boundaryαphase and nucleationαcolony near grain boundary inhibited the crack propagation and improved the ductility.Summary,EST can manipulate the microstructure and improve the mechanical properties of LMD titanium alloys.

Laser Surface Modification of Lean-alloyed Austenitic Stainless Steel for Corrosion Resistance

In order to reduce the cost of the austenitic stainless steels(ASSs),the expensive austenite former(nickel) is often substituted by manganese.However,manganese is generally seen to have a detrimental effect on the corrosion resistance.In the present study,the feasibility of laser surface modification of a lean-alloyed ASS(FeCrMn) for enhancing pitting corrosion resistance was investigated.Laser surface modification of FeCrMn was successfully achieved by a 2.3 kW high power diode laser(HPDL).Cyclic polarization tests for FeCrMn after laser surface modification in 3.5% NaCl solution at 25 ℃ were performed by using a potentiostat.The pitting resistance of the laser-modified specimens was found to be significantly improved as reflected by the noble shift in pitting potential.This could be attributed to redistribution of manganese sulphide leading to a more homogenous and refined microstructure.Pitting corrosion resistance of the laser-treated FeCrMn followed by subsequent citric acid passivation was found to be further improved as reflected by the noble shift in pitting potential to 0.18 V.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of FeCoNiCrAl x High-entropy Alloys by Selective Laser Melting

In this study,the thermal analysis theory of selective laser melting(SLM)was introduced,and different high-entropy alloy(HEA)specimens were prepared using the SLM technology.The effects of different powder sizes,elemental contents,and process parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of FeCoNiCrAl x HEA specimens fabricated using SLM were analyzed.Moreover,hardness and tensile tests of these high-entropy alloys were performed.The results showed that with increasing laser power and hatch spacing,the hardness of the specimens initially increased and subsequently decreased;it also increased with increasing scanning speed.The FeCoNiCrAl 0.5 HEA specimens prepared using fine powder exhibited better tensile properties,followed by FeCoNiCrAl 0.8 HEA.However,the FeCoNiCrAl 0.5 HEA prepared using coarse powder exhibited the poorest tensile properties.A comparison of the tensile properties of the specimens at different heights revealed that the specimens formed at the middle height exhibited improved tensile properties.

Unique Duplex Microstructure and Porosity Effect on Mechanical Properties of AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1) Eutectic High-Entropy Alloys Processed by Selective Laser Melting

Selective laser melting(SLM)was performed on AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1) eutectic high-entropy alloys(EHEAs),and the unique duplex microstructure and porosity were investigated as well as the negative effect on mechanical properties.SLM printed AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1) EHEAs is composed of face-centered cubic and BCC/B2 phases,and the surface texture of samples perpendicular to and parallel to the building direction is different.From the bottom of the molten pool to the inside,the structure changes from dendrites to columnar crystals and then to cellular crystals,the distribution of elements in and around the molten pool is uniform,and there is no element segregation.The surface hardness of as-printed AlCoCrFeNi_(2.1) EHEAs is higher than that of as-cast ones due to the grain refinement strengthening,and there is anisotropy in different surface hardness,the highest hardness is 580 HV(X–Y plane)and 560 HV(X–Z plane).The reduction of bearing area and tip stress concentration caused by pores have adverse effects on the tensile strength and elongation of the alloy,the ultimate tensile strength increased from 1060 to 1289 MPa.

Microstructural evolution and hardness of as-cast Be-Al-Sc-Zr alloy processed by laser surface remelting

As-cast beryllium-aluminum(Be-Al)alloy exhibits a coarse microstructure with pore defects due to a large solidification interval,greatly limiting its mechanical properties.In this research,the relationship between laser surface remelting process and microstructure and hardness of as-cast Be-Al-Sc-Zr alloy was established.The experimental results demonstrated that a pore-free refined microstructure of remelted layer was obtained by controlling the parameter of effective laser energy input.The microstructure of as-cast Be-Al-Sc-Zr alloy consisted of equiaxed grains with Al phase forming a continuous frame wrapping Be phase,which was significantly refined in the remelted zone(from 25μm to 2μm).The Vickers hardness in the remelted zone(approximately 210 HV)was approximately 3 times that of as-cast Be-Al-Sc-Zr alloy.Analysis of the Vickers hardness and the Be phase size showed a good agreement with a Hall-Petch equation.In addition,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),auger electron spectroscopy(AES)and X-ray diffraction(XRD)analysis evidenced that Sc and Zr elements formed a single blocky phase Be13(Scx,Zr1-x),which was also greatly refined from 8μm to 1.5μm in the remelted zone.The results obtained in this study indicate that the laser surface remelting allowed refining the microstructure and further strengthening the Vickers hardness of Be-Al-Sc-Zr alloy.

Influence of laser surface remelting on microstructure and degradation mechanism in simulated body fluid of Zn-0.5Zr alloy

In this study,the Zn-0.5 wt%Zr(Zn-Zr)alloy was treated by laser surface remelting(LSR),and then the microstructure and degradation mechanism of the remelting layer were investigated and compared with the original as-cast alloy.The results reveal that after LSR,the bulky Zn(22)Zr phase in the original Zn-Zr alloy is dissolved and the coarse equiaxed grains transform into fine dendrites with a secondary dendrite arm space of about 100 nm.During the degradation process in simulated body fluid(SBF),the corrosion products usually concentrate at some certain areas in the original alloy,while the corrosion products distribute uniformly and loosely in the LSR-treated surface.After removing the corrosion products,it was found that the former suffers obvious pitting corrosion and then localized corrosion.The proposed mechanism is that corrosion initiates at grain boundaries and develops into the depth at some locations,and then leads to localized corrosion.For the LSR-treated sample,corrosion initiates at some active sites and propagates in all directions,corrosion takes place in the whole surface with distinctly uniform thickness reduction,while the localized corrosion and peeling of bulky Zn(22)Zr particles were eliminated.The electrochemical results also suggest the uniform corrosion of LSR-treated sample and localized corrosion of original sample.Based on the results,a new approach to regulate the corrosion mode of the biodegradable Zn alloy is proposed.

Microstructure,cracking behavior and control of Al-Fe-V-Si alloy produced by selective laser melting

Selective laser melting(SLM)technology based on atomized powder was used to fabricate Al-8.5Fe-1.3V-1.7Si(wt%)alloy parts.The microstructure and crack characterization of SLM samples fabricated at various conditions were presented.Results show that the cracks appear periodically along the building direction,initiate preferably at the outer edges of the as-built samples and propagated along the remelting border zone(RBZ)into deposited layers.Solid-phase cracking is proposed according to the fracture morphology.The thermal-induced residual stress during SLM combined with the precipitation of relatively large-sized Al_mFe phase in the RBZ results in the formation of cracks.Enhancing scanning speed and hatch distance enable to reduce the cracking sensitivity.The crack-free Al-8.5Fe-1.3V-1.7Si parts can be fabricated at optimized parameters of laser power of 320 W,scanning speed of 1000 mm·s^(-1)and hatch distance of0.10 mm along with proper laser pre-heating procedure.The samples built horizontally show good ultimate tensile properties of 454 MPa in average with the elongation of7.2%.