The Effect of Building Direction on Microstructure and Microhardness during Selective Laser Melting of Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy

Abstract During the last few years, additive manufacturing has been more and extensively used in several industries, especially aerospace medical device fields, to produce Ti6Al4V titanium alloy parts. Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process, heterogeneity of finished product is strictly connected scan strategies building direction. An optimal managing latter parameters allows better control defines final mechanical metallurgical properties Acting on direction it also possible optimize critical support structure. In particular, structures are needed for sample at 0°, while very low required 90°. To study effects build microstructure evolution performances selective laser melted parts, two samples (0°, 90°) were manufactured analyzed using optical metallographic microscope (OM) scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Isometric reconstruction microhardness tests carried out order analyze specimens. The obtained results indicate that be considered a key geometrical parameter affecting overall quality products.