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Microstructural and machinability aspects of electron beam melted Ti–6Al–4V with different building orientations

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Abstract

Considering the advantages of additive manufacturing processes regarding flexibility and the possibility of producing metallic components with characteristics similar to those obtained by conventional routes, electron beam melting (EBM) has been increasingly employed and its influencing factors have been investigated. Despite its benefits, further machining operations are still necessary to provide tight dimensional and geometric tolerances, as well as proper surface finish. In this context, this work aims to determine the influence of building orientation (vertical and horizontal) on the microstructure and machinability of Ti–6Al–4V produced by EBM process and to compare the results to those obtained with the same material produced by a conventional/commercial route. For this, workpieces were characterized by an analysis of their microstructure and mechanical properties. Moreover, surface characteristics and process forces were measured in turning experiments with different cutting speeds and feeds. Although surface roughness and cutting force have not been influenced by the distinct material characteristics, higher feed and radial forces could be associated with a lower percentage of β-phase. Furthermore, considering the absence of thermal effects in hardness and tensile tests, a smaller grain size led to increased values of microhardness and tensile strength.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Prof. Reginaldo T. Coelho, Prof. Alessandro R. Rodrigues and Dr. Marcelo F. Batista from the São Carlos School of Engineering of University of São Paulo (Brazil) for their support concerning the turning tests.

Funding

This work was financially supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) [grant number 2017/12309-7]; and by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-Brasil (CAPES) [grant number Finance Code 001].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal Institute for Education, Science and Technology (Campus Hortolandia), Av. Thereza Ana Cecon Breda 1896, Hortolandia, SP, 13183-091, Brazil

    U. C. Alves

  2. Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, University of Campinas, R. Mendeleyev 200, Campinas, SP, 13083-970, Brazil

    U. C. Alves & A. Hassui

  3. 3D Printing Open Lab (LAPrint), Center for Information Technology Renato Archer, Rod. Dom Pedro I km 143.6, Campinas, SP, 13069-901, Brazil

    M. F. de Oliveira & P. I. Neto

  4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luis km 235, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil

    C. E. H. Ventura

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  1. U. C. Alves
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  2. A. Hassui
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  3. M. F. de Oliveira
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  4. P. I. Neto
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Contributions

Conceptualization: AH, CEHV. Methodology: UCA, MFO, PIN. Formal analysis and investigation: UCA. Original draft preparation: UCA. Review and editing: CEHV, AH, MFO, PIN. Funding acquisition: CEH.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. E. H. Ventura.

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Alves, U.C., Hassui, A., de Oliveira, M.F. et al. Microstructural and machinability aspects of electron beam melted Ti–6Al–4V with different building orientations. Prog Addit Manuf 8, 131–141 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-022-00317-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-022-00317-3

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