Direct Laser Deposition of Ti-6Al-4V from Elemental Powder Blends

A thin-wall structure composed of Ti-6Al-4V has been deposited using direct laser deposition (DLD) from blended Ti, Al, and V elemental powders. The microstructure and composition distribution along the build height direction were intensively investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and Vickers hardness testing. The microstructures of the as-deposited Ti-Al-V were studied using EDS to determine appropriate weight percentage for Al and V in the blended powders before mixing. The effects of laser power and laser transverse speed on the microstructure were investigated and optimized laser processing parameters were concluded.