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Ti6Al4V scaffolds fabricated by laser powder bed fusion with hybrid volumetric energy density

Ti6Al4V scaffolds fabricated by laser powder bed fusion with hybrid volumetric energy density Additive manufacturing of metallic scaffolds using laser powder bed fusion is challenging because of the accumulation of extra material below overhanging and horizontal surfaces. It reduces porosity and pore size and increases the effective strut size. These challenges are normally overcome by using volumetric energy density (VED) values lower than the optimum values, which, however, results in poor physio-mechanical properties. The purpose of this study is to assist scaffold manufacturers with a novel approach to fabricate stronger yet accurate scaffolds.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a strategy for laser exposure that enables fabricating titanium-6–aluminum-4–vanedium (Ti6Al4V) alloy scaffolds with the required properties without compromising the geometric features. The process starts from computer-aided design models sliced into layers; dividing them into core (upper) and downskin (lower) layers; and fabrication using hybrid VED (low values for downskin layers and high values for core layers).FindingsWhile exposing the core layers, laser remelted the downskin layers, resulting in better physio-mechanical properties (surface roughness, microhardness and density) for the whole strut without affecting its dimensional accuracy. A regression equation was developed to select the downskin thickness for a given combination of strut thickness and core VED to achieve the desired range of properties. The proposed approach was validated using microstructure analysis and compression testing.Practical implicationsThis paper is expected to be valuable for the manufacturers of Ti6Al4V scaffolds, in achieving the desired properties.Originality/valueThis is probably the first time the hybrid VED approach has been applied for obtaining scaffolds with the desirable physio-mechanical and geometrical properties. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Rapid Prototyping Journal Emerald Publishing

Ti6Al4V scaffolds fabricated by laser powder bed fusion with hybrid volumetric energy density

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References (40)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
1355-2546
eISSN
1355-2546
DOI
10.1108/rpj-01-2022-0036
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Additive manufacturing of metallic scaffolds using laser powder bed fusion is challenging because of the accumulation of extra material below overhanging and horizontal surfaces. It reduces porosity and pore size and increases the effective strut size. These challenges are normally overcome by using volumetric energy density (VED) values lower than the optimum values, which, however, results in poor physio-mechanical properties. The purpose of this study is to assist scaffold manufacturers with a novel approach to fabricate stronger yet accurate scaffolds.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a strategy for laser exposure that enables fabricating titanium-6–aluminum-4–vanedium (Ti6Al4V) alloy scaffolds with the required properties without compromising the geometric features. The process starts from computer-aided design models sliced into layers; dividing them into core (upper) and downskin (lower) layers; and fabrication using hybrid VED (low values for downskin layers and high values for core layers).FindingsWhile exposing the core layers, laser remelted the downskin layers, resulting in better physio-mechanical properties (surface roughness, microhardness and density) for the whole strut without affecting its dimensional accuracy. A regression equation was developed to select the downskin thickness for a given combination of strut thickness and core VED to achieve the desired range of properties. The proposed approach was validated using microstructure analysis and compression testing.Practical implicationsThis paper is expected to be valuable for the manufacturers of Ti6Al4V scaffolds, in achieving the desired properties.Originality/valueThis is probably the first time the hybrid VED approach has been applied for obtaining scaffolds with the desirable physio-mechanical and geometrical properties.

Journal

Rapid Prototyping Journal – Emerald Publishing

Published: Jan 2, 2023

Keywords: Additive manufacturing; Direct metal laser sintering; Volumetric energy density; Scaffold manufacturing; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Scaffolds

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