Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing of Titanium Components: Properties and Performance

Abstract

This research evaluates the fatigue properties of Ti-6Al-4V specimens and components produced by Electron Beam additive manufacturing. It was found that the fatigue performance of specimens produced by additive manufacturing is significantly lower than that of wrought material due to defects such as porosity and surface roughness. However, evaluation of an actual component subjected to design fatigue loads did not result in premature failure as anticipated by specimen testing. Metallography, residual stress, static strength and elongation, fracture toughness, crack growth, and the effect of post processing operations such as machining and peening on fatigue performance were also evaluated.