Effect of Build Orientation on Fatigue Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Parts Fabricated via Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion

The effects of build orientation on the fatigue behavior of additively-manufactured Ti-6Al-4V using a Laser-Based Power Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process is investigated. Ti-6Al-4V rods were manufactured in vertical, horizontal, and 45º angle orientations. The specimens were then machined and polished along the gage section in order to reduce the effects of surface roughness on fatigue behavior. Fully-reversed strain-controlled uniaxial fatigue tests were performed at various strain amplitudes with frequencies adjusted to maintain an average constant strain rate throughout testing. Results indicate slight variation in fatigue behavior of specimens fabricated in the different orientations investigated. Fractography was conducted using scanning electron microscopy after mechanical testing in order to investigate the crack initiation sites and determine the defect responsible for the failure. The experimental program utilized and results obtained will be presented and discussed.