Effect of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Parameters on the Microstructure and Texture Development in Superelastic Ti–18Zr–14Nb Alloy

Abstract

The effect of different laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) parameters on the phase composition, microstructure, and crystallographic texture of Ti–18Zr–14Nb alloy was studied. Two levels of laser power, scanning speed, and hatching space were used, while the layer thickness was kept constant. The resulting volume energy density was ranged from 20 to 60 J/mm³, and the build rate, from 12 to 36 cm³/h. The manufactured coupons were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the greater influence observed on the microstructure and texture development was caused by the value of laser power, while the lowest, by that of hatching space. Based on the results obtained, the processing optimization strategy aimed at improving the density, superelastic, and fatigue properties of the L-PBF manufactured Ti–18Zr–14Nb alloy was proposed.

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