Process parameters and surface treatment effects on the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of Ti6Al4V components produced by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract

Laser powder bed fusion is one of the additive manufacturing technologies which has developed more rapidly in recent years as it enables the production of very complex geometries. Titanium alloys are among the most popular materials in the aerospace industry thanks to excellent mechanical and corrosion resistance. The corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of samples made of Ti6Al4V and characterized by the geometrical features typical of brackets were investigated taking into account the effects of process parameters on porosity and microstructure. A comparison between the corrosion resistance of samples with complex geometry (3D) and specimens characterized by simple geometry (FLAT) was carried out to understand the role of the part geometry in the passive film formation mechanism, also highlighting the effect of the lack of passivation film formed naturally by exposure to air. Finally, the samples with complex geometry were anodized in a fluoride-free aqueous solution and the corrosion resistance was evaluated.