Characterization of Ti6Al4V powders produced by different methods for selective laser melting

Abstract A comparative investigation was made into Ti6Al4V powders produced by electrode induction melting gas atomization (EIGA), plasma spheroidization (PS), and (PA) in terms of particle size distribution, shape, element microstructure, flowability forming properties. The were characterized a laser shape analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Hall-flow meter SLM machine, respectively. Image analysis used to quantitatively analyze the elongation roundness these powders. results indicate that PA produces smoothest powder with lowest satellite sphere. microstructure is composed HCP-?‘ phase. average EIGA similar those powder. (26.23 s/50 g) better than (32.16 PS (35.30 g). samples exhibit well-balanced combination strength (1047 MPa) ductility (16.2%). In regard process SLM, are more suitable method found be best choice among three methods on account cost performance.