Journal of Engineering Science and Technology

Vol. 13, No. 3 (2018) 790 - 812

© School of Engineering, Taylor’s University

A REVIEW OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF α- β TI

ALLOY COMPONENTS THROUGH SELECTIVE LASER
MELTING AND LASER METAL DEPOSITION
1, 2
P. CHANDRAMOHAN *, SHEPHERD BHERO ,
3 4
K. MANIKANDASUBRAMANIAN , B. RAVISHANKAR
1
Department of Metallurgy, University of Johannesburg, South Africa 2028 and
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, India
2
Department of Metallurgy, University of Johannesburg, South Africa 2028
3
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Engineering and
Technology, India
4
Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology,
Trichy, India
*Corresponding author-email: [email protected]

Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a rapid prototyping technique extensively used
to build complex structures and intricate shapes without the necessity of post
process machining. This process exists for two decades and still needs to attain
its growth in order to meet the commercial requirements. In this article, Laser
Metal Deposition (LMD) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of α-β titanium
alloys and CP-Ti are reviewed. The reported investigations are categorized into
2 major classifications, namely:(i) Micro and macro structure and resulting
mechanical properties of α-β Ti and CP-Ti, (ii) Effect of process parameters.
Scholarly publications on SLM and LMD of α-β Ti alloys and CP-Ti are
surveyed. The limitations of this emerging but promising method of
manufacture are discussed.
Keywords: Laser, Additive manufacturing, Titanium alloys, SLM, LMD.

1. Introduction and Overview of Additive Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a process that builds layer by layer by
combining the technologies such as powder metallurgy, solidification, CAD-
CAM and rapid prototyping [1-3]. Common AM technologies include Selective
Laser Sintering (SLS), Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), Selective Laser Melting

790
A Review of Additive Manufacturing of α- β Ti Alloy Components through . . . . 791

Nomenclatures

[Al]eq Aluminium equivalent

Ra Roughness average, µm
Ti-6Al-4V Titanium alloy with 6% Al and 4% Vanadium

Greek Symbols
α Alpha phase
α' Alpha prime / Martensite
β Beta phase

Abbreviations
AISI American Iron and Steel Institute
AM Additive Manufacturing
CAD Computer aided design
CAM Computer aided manufacturing
CG Columnar grain
CP-Ti Commercially pure titanium
DLD Direct laser deposition
EBM Electron Beam Melting
EBSD Electron backscattered diffraction
FOD Focal Offset Distance
HAP Hydroxyapatite
HIPing Hot isostatic pressing
HT Heat treated
HV Vickers hardness
IR Infra-red
LENS Laser Engineering Net Shape
LMD Laser Metal Deposition
OIM Orientation imaging microscopy
SEM Scanning electron microscopy
SLM Selective Laser Melting
SLS Selective Laser Sintering
UTS Ultimate tensile strength
YS Yield strength
(SLM), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), LENS-Laser Engineering Net Shape
(LENS) etc. These processes make use of thermal energy to melt polymeric,
metallic or ceramic materials before deposition and solidification into desired
patterns. Lasers, electron beam, IR-light are typical energy sources available in
additive manufacturing. Among these, laser is the predominantly used source and
the schematic picture of LMD and SLM processes that make use of laser are
shown in Fig. 1. In SLS, powders are partially melted while powders are fully
melted in SLM and EBM processes [4-7].
In LMD or laser cladding, graded or pure metal in the form of wire or powder
is melted and deposited layer by layer over a substrate to build components and it
can also be used in repair work [8]. Large components can be better made by wire
based laser techniques rather than powder based laser techniques due to its higher
deposition rates of up to 0.7 kg/h [9]. Powder characteristics such as shape, size,
distribution and processing parameters such as layer thickness, energy source,

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792 P. Chandramohan et al.

energy intensity, scan/deposition speed, spot size and spacing distance are all
important considerations in AM [10-12].

Fig. 1. Schematic picture of LMD and SLM.

The wavelength of laser determines the amount of energy released to the

powder. In case of metal powders, laser absorption decreases as wavelength
increases and vice versa. However, the reverse is true for ceramic and polymer
powders. The laser wavelength should be selected specifically to suit a particular
metal due to differences in absorption characteristics [13]. Nd:YAG lasers are
suitable for metallic powders while CO2 lasers are well-suited for polymeric
powders [14, 15].
The core problem in AM lies in the poor fusion of successive layers,
particularly in the case of ceramics. The problem is less pronounced in metals.
SLM technique is applied for making components of different metallic materials
such as AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel, hot-work steel, tool steel, maraging
steel, CP-titanium, titanium-based alloys, Inconel, aluminium-based alloys,
cobalt-based alloys, gold and copper [16]. Aerospace and medical industries are
beginning to adopt these technologies. Recently, the availability of low-cost
titanium powders in the market has encouraged cost-sensitive automotive
industries to consider AM technologies [17].
Even though some advances have been made in AM, challenges still exist for
users to gain full confidence in the viability of the technology. Homogeneity in
the longitudinal and transverse direction has to be characterized to prove the
integrity of components. Furthermore, the orientation of deposition should be
determined in order to reduce the support structures which are not recyclable [18].
Simultaneously, establishment of Quality management framework in specific
areas like product design and occupation hazard is very much required to make
use of its technical developments in key areas like aerospace, medical field, etc.
[19]. There are also some implications in the development of AM technology
related to military ethics and security as the design can be easily copied via the
CAD-CAM file, re-engineer from the category of small arms (Guns) to major
military hardware [20].
Some previous studies and reviews reported that direct laser deposition (DLD)
process can be employed in fabricating metallic parts [21]. In some cases, AM
technologies have been used for multiple materials that include plastic polymers,
metal materials and ceramic materials [22, 23]. Additive manufacturing of

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A Review of Additive Manufacturing of α- β Ti Alloy Components through . . . . 793

metallic material includes qualification of materials, processing models and use of

sensors and controls [24]. A report on various AM technologies and equipment
manufacturers have been published [25]. There has been no specific publication
on SLM and LMD of the various α-β Ti alloys and CP-Ti in the literature. Hence
the focus is made on the present review article with following objectives:
 Determine the range of Ti alloy components that can be produced by additive
manufacturing.
 Characterize the structure and study of mechanical properties by selective
laser manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V in as-formed and in heat treated condition
in comparison with its wrought and EBM equivalents.
 Evaluate the mechanical properties of laser formed CP-Ti and α/β Ti alloys.
 Assess the response of process parameters on SLM/LMD formed Ti-6Al-4V,
Ti-6Al-4V composite, CP-Ti and other α-β Ti alloys.

2. Literature Review
2.1. Additive manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V: Structure and mechanical
properties:
An overview of the metallographic investigations on the as-formed Ti-6Al-4V
from selective laser melting and laser metal deposition as well as in their heat
treated condition is presented in this section. Also the resulting mechanical
properties are discussed. A summary of the process and outcome are consolidated
and presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Structure and properties of SLM/LMD as-formed and HT Ti-6Al-4V.

Process Outcome Reference
SLM-As cast, HT, Microstructure, hardness, 26, 27, 30, 31, 33,
Vibration, Laser UTS and ductility 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,
surface texturing 42.
LMD-As deposited, HT, Microstructure, Strain and 9, 28, 29, 34, 35, 36
Control system fatigue
SLM/LMD Vs Wrought Surface finish, microstructure 43, 44, 45, 46, 47
UTS,YS, ductility and creep
rate
Standard microstructures of Ti-6Al-4V formed by SLM processes at different
conditions are shown in Fig. 2. The optical microscopy of as-sintered SLM made
horizontal built and vertical built structures reveal fine martensitic phase which gets
converted into α+β upon heat treatment at higher temperatures. From the SEM
picture of the as-sintered specimen, the average grain width is measured around 4
µm. Grain growth from 4.03 to 9.42 µm is noticed after HT 1, since the specimen
temperature were elevated above β transus and slow cooled. In HT 2, where the
specimens were heated below β transus and air cooled, grain refinement were
observed with an average width ranging from 2.03 to 3.89 µm. [26].
The microstructural evolution with thermal treatment is invariably
accompanied by changes in mechanical properties. Therefore, engineering
applications of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at higher temperatures need to consider these

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794 P. Chandramohan et al.

phase transformations as well as the selection of temperature regimes that bring

about desired mechanical properties.

Fig. 2. Microstructures of SLM made Ti-6Al-4V parts (a) as-sintered

horizontal built up (b) as-sintered vertical built up (c) SEM analysis of as-
sintered (d) SEM analysis of above β transus and slow cooled and (e) SEM
analysis of below β transus and air cooled [26].

The microstructural evaluation of SLM processed Ti-6Al-4V alloy reveals the

presence of ά-martensite phase and grains become elongated due to the
occurrence of epitaxial growth. Precipitation of intermetallic phase Ti 3Al is also
noticed at high heat inputs during the deposition process [27]. Without post heat
treatment, a unique combination of high UTS (1060 MPa) and improved ductility
(14% elongation) has been achieved in a Ti-6Al-4V direct energy deposited 3D
cruciform component, which is attributed to the integrity compact devoid of
pores, low concentration of oxygen (0.0124 wt.%) and reduced α-lath width due
to different cooling rate at varying heights [28]. Abdalla et al. [29] devised a
closed loop control system to build Ti-6Al-4V at a temperature below 415°C to
achieve better alignment of prior-β grains. In addition, α-lath became more
uniform with less diffusion of alloying elements within the compact. Hence a
uniform microhardness values was achieved. Wei-Chin et al. [30] used
electromagnetic vibrations in SLM process to control the cooling rate of Ti-6Al-
4V alloy during solidification. Grain refinement was attributed to the magnetic
flux however, mechanism was not fully explained. Xu et al. [31] predicted the
determining parameters to achieve ultrafine lamellar structure of α+β by way of ά
martensite decomposition in the SLM-fabricated Ti-6Al-4V. These included a
power rating of 375 W, laser scanning velocity of 1029 mm/s, layer thickness of
60 µm and Focal Offset Distance (FOD) of 2 mm.
Few post heat treatment studies have been carried out at different temperatures
in the recent period on laser formed Ti-6Al-4V. The resulting microstructure and
mechanical properties are further explained. The decomposition of ά martensite was
reported to take place at temperatures at a lower level of 400°C during post-SLM

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A Review of Additive Manufacturing of α- β Ti Alloy Components through . . . . 795

heat treatment resulting in high yield strength of greater than 1100 MPa and 11.4%
elongation [31]. In a similar work, Russell et al. [32] reported that hexagonal ά
martensite causes only limited hardening effect due to high dislocation density and
fine lamellar structure. Furthermore, temperature distribution during the laser
melting of Ti-6Al-4V alloy and increased holding time in post heat treatment up to
960oC lead to the formation of uniform distribution of globular α phase, which is
desirable for implant materials [33].
Erhard et al. [34, 35] recommended post heat treatment to homogenize the
microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V thereby avoiding scattering in mechanical properties.
Conversely, the post heat treatment at 600 ºC for 4 h did not change the morphology
and microstructure. Soaking at 1200ºC for 2 h reduce the average hardness from
327 to 311 HV with destabilization of the as-built macrostructure. In a similar work,
by heat treating above β transus temperature, the change of columnar to globular β-
grains was made possible. Cooling rate from above β transus influences the
microstructure and hardness more than the holding temperatures above β transus
[36]. In contrary, a recent research on heat treatment from 300 to 1020oC reports
that at or below 600oC the as-received acicular morphology partially decomposes
into platelet. Maximum hardness is recorded for the treated temperature of 500o C
which is due to the partial decomposition of martensite into in-situ transitional
substructures and its refinement [37].
Bernd et al. [9] studied the microstructure and grain orientation of Ti-6Al-4V
formed from wire-based additive laser melting technique. It was reported that prior
β-grains were elongated and surfaces were layered with banded meso-structures.
Furthermore, there was presence of fine lamellar α/β structures at the top field of
laser beam component than the bottom field which yielded high ultimate tensile
strength (UTS). Grain orientation is a fundamental consideration in the design and
forming of aerospace components. Preferential orientation in z-direction favours
ductility on the top region. Thus, to have uniform properties along the component,
about 10 mm layer should be removed. The heat treatment at 600 °C for 4 h does
not influence significantly on the mechanical properties. However, heat treatment at
843ºC increases considerably the strain to failure. After heat treatment at 680 ºC for
4h, ά martensite transformed to a mixture of α and β, with α phase having a width in
between 500 and 800 nm. The microhardness decreased from 408±35 HV to
378±35 HV, which was attributed to the coarsening of the microstructure [38].
Vrancken et al. [39] conducted a study on effect of 10 wt% Mo in Ti-6Al-4V-ELI
processed by SLM. After heat treatment at 650oC extremely fine two-phase α+β
microstructure was observed. The mechanical properties showed a higher hardness
of 468±7 HV against a hardness of 399 HV for as-built part. After heat treatment at
900oC and 1050oC the resulting microstructure was fully β, leading to the inference
that β transus temperature was reduced to about 900 oC.
The evaluation of under laser surface texturing (Linear-45%, Dimple-20%
geometry) with a microstructure of α, 5 - 10% β grains and few TiO2 showed an
improvement on the nano-hardness from 203 HV to 611 HV. Texturing also
reduced the wear rate due to improvement in micro-hardness and grain refinement
which is due to the formation of oxide phases on the textured zone [40, 41]. Recent
research about the level of orientation in SLM made sample reports preferred
orientation in the microstructure but not inside its ingredient powder. Also it is
stated that the orientation of its bulk cell is preferred towards the hexagonal basal
plane [42].

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2.1.1. Additive manufacturing SLM/LMD versus Wrought Ti-6Al-4V

This subsection compares the performance of Ti-6Al-4V components
manufactured by SLM and LMD against wrought Ti-6Al-4V with respect to the
metallographic and surface finish. The resulting mechanical properties are
summarized in Table 1.
Alcisto et al. [43] compared the laser-formed Ti-6Al-4V materials with that of
conventional wrought alloy equivalent and found that the laser formed samples had
comparable tensile strength with reduced elongation but inferior surface finish. The
yield strength of 964 MPa and UTS of 1041 MPa were found to be higher in the
SLM samples than the wrought samples that gave a yield strength of 948 MPa and
UTS of 994 MPa which is due to the difference in preferred orientation resulting
from epitaxial growth of layer by layer build up and rolling respectively. Percentage
elongation was lower for SLM rod than the wrought product. In the transverse
direction, samples of SLM had higher YS (1058 MPa) and UTS (1114 MPa) than in
the longitudinal direction. In other words, transverse elongation is 5% while
longitudinal elongation is 7% [44]. Alcisto et al. [43] further studied the effect of
position where a tensile specimen is sectioned from the laser as-deposited plate.
They reported anisotropy in the tensile values showing higher tensile values in x and
lower in z direction. In the machined and heat treated laser formed plates, the tensile
properties remained isotropic within the plane. Acicular α-β was observed with high
porosity in columnar β grains in the as-deposited while the heat treated had
minimum porosity in coarse Widmanstätten α grains.
Myriam et al. [45] used quasi-continuous pulsed mode laser in the metallic
deposition of Ti-6Al-4V and reported an improved surface finish with little post-
machining steps, when compared with the fully continuous wave heating. At times,
aiming to improve the surface finish is also detrimental in application point of view.
A recent research on improving surface finish by selective remelting of surface
layer reports that corrosion resistance and biocompatibility gets reduced due to the
higher concentration of aluminium and vanadium on the surface [46]. The
Widmanstatten structure in the Ti-6Al-4V alloy was reported to be more resistant to
oxidation than the equi-axed. Short-term creep tests showed that the equi-axed
microstructure possess twice the creep rate as that of Widmanstatten structure. The
higher creep resistance of the Widmanstatten microstructure is due to the
obstruction created by α-β interfaces to the motion of dislocation, average grain size
(395 μm), reducing the sliding of grain boundaries, dislocation sources and oxygen
diffusion in grain boundaries [47].

2.1.2. SLM/LMD versus EBM in Ti-6Al-4V

A comparison between SLM/LMD and EBM of Ti-6Al-4V is discussed in
this subsection.
Haijun et al. [48] compared Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated through SLM and EBM
processes with respect to structure, mechanical properties, porosity and surface
finish. The Yield Strength and Ultimate Tensile Strength of SLM were found to be
higher than those of EBM samples as a result of α’ martensite structure. However,
fatigue strength and hardness of the samples of both SLM and EBM are
comparable. The microstructure is largely determined by the rate of cooling in both

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A Review of Additive Manufacturing of α- β Ti Alloy Components through . . . . 797

processes. Upto 1 vol. % porosity, the properties such as tensile, fatigue strength
and hardness are not changed as much in SLM samples. The porosity of 5 vol.% has
considerable detrimental effect on the mechanical properties. A recent research
aimed at relating porosity with fatigue life also recommends for less than 1%
porosity to achieve better fatigue life [49].
In a related work it was reported that SLM-made samples yield better surface
finish than that of EBM-made samples [50]. In a recent research finding on the
effect of porosity and microstructure of EBM made part, porosity is said to be the
primary deciding factor of its mechanical properties [51]. Haijun et al. [52]
compared SLM with EBM in susceptibility to defect formation on Ti-6Al-4V
during additive manufacturing. It is reported that the high energy density in SLM
causes over-melting of powder bed and the defects result from vaporization within
the melt pool. Conversely, the EBM system uses a more complicated feedback
control design which prevents formation of these types of defects. In SLM, defects
such as pits are produced on the surface which is not observed in the EBM system.
Discontinuities in melt pool and absence of melt pool overlap results in defects,
however, laser deposition has better UTS and YS than EBM and wrought grades.
Anisotropy behaviour is not noted much in the mechanical property of the laser
deposited Ti-6Al-4V alloy in spite of the prior-β columnar grains that grew
epitaxially along the deposition direction [53].
Recent research findings of Tiferet et al. [42] revealed that strain free
components can be produced in EBM without post heat treatment where it is not so
with SLM. Gary and Eric [1] compared laser metal deposition, LENS and direct
laser fabrication (DLF) to fabricate Ti-6Al-4V alloy. It is reported that single step
processing of DLF yields the tensile yield strength comparable to that of wrought
material with an elongation of 6%, which is lower than 10% for wrought specimens.
A complete melt is achieved by mixing 80% Ti and 20% Nb powders at the laser
focal zone and increasing laser power from 200 W to 320 W. In general, combining
these two processes in single step gave deposition accuracy within 0.12 mm and
surface finish of 10 µm. Feeding powders separately during printing is better to
avoid segregation of blended powders based on powder density, size, shape, and
surface characteristics during agitation by feed systems.

2.2. Laser deposition of other-α/β Ti alloys and CP-Ti: Microstructure

and properties
The summary of laser deposited α/β Ti alloys and CP-Ti are listed in Table 2. The
as-deposited Ti-6.5Al-3.5Mo-1.5Zr-0.3Si sample shows unique grain morphology
of both columnar and equi-axed grains with the presence of intra-granular basket-
weave type microstructure. A bimodal microstructure of α lath (crab-like) and
Widmanstätten α colony with transformed β was observed in α+β annealed
condition and under β annealing treatment approximately above 900 ºC,
transformation occurs from columnar to equi-axed grain morphology thereby
reducing tensile anisotropy [54, 55]. The macrostructure comprises two zones; the
unstable one (3 - 4 mm) at the top region and stable one at the bottom region. The
stable and unstable zones had a microhardness value of 375 HV and 363 HV
respectively. The higher hardness of stable zone is due to α phase fraction in high
volumes and higher solid solubility (Al diffusion into α-phase) [56].

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Tensile strengths and elongation of laser deposited samples are poor when
compared to that of wrought equivalents as a result of larger grains and their
perpendicular orientation to the direction of loading [50]. However, Yanyan et al.
[56] reported that the strength and elongation of the same alloy increase with
increasing size of prior-β-grain which is due to the severe strain caused by
mismatch between prior-β-grains rather than resistance to dislocation motion [57].
The grain morphology of the same alloy on the substrate of hot-rolled CP-Ti plate
reveal fine equi-axed grains in the sub-surface zone and large basket-weave grains
in the lowest region. Deposition rate also determines the grain morphology. Low
rate of mass deposition could lead to production of full columnar grains and high
mass deposition rate produces equi-axed grains [58].

Table 2. Structure and properties of laser deposited α/β Ti alloys and CP-Ti.
Process Outcome Reference
LMD-Ti-6.5Al-3.5Mo-1.5Zr-0.3Si Micro/macro 54, 55, 56, 57, 58,
LMD-Ti-6Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V structure, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63,
LMD-Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-1Cr-1Fe microhardness, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68
LMD-Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-1Cr-1Fe- HT UTS, ductility,
LMD-Ti60A- HT Young’s
LMD-TC21 modulus, elastic
CP-Ti and modulus,
Ti-6Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V plasticity,
Ti-4Al-1.5Mn-HT compressive,
CP-Ti and Ti-TiB composites- grainmorphology,
Porosity effect texture
A common structural Ti-alloy (Ti-6Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V) containing maximum
amount of α-phase and minimum amount of β-phase along with a low alloy, low-
cost α Ti-alloy (Grade 2 CP-Ti) were laser deposited on a substrate alternately to
form a structurally graded material. The microstructure of the subsequent
deposition reveals equi-axed grains with Widmanstatten α-laths and the early
deposition reveals large columnar grains with fine basket-weave structure.
Increase in [Al]eq was accompanied by an increase in hardness as a result of solid
solution and grain boundary strengthening [59, 60].
In a similar work, the laser melt deposition technique was used to fabricate Ti-
5Al-5Mo-5V-1Cr-1Fe alloy. The microstructure revealed bamboo-like β grain
morphology at macro level with fine basket-weave structure and α grain
boundary. Due to the fine microstructure, the as-deposited samples yield high
UTS of about 1178 MPa and a lower elongation of about 5% only. High UTS is
due to rapid cooling and the dispersion strengthening effects. Low ductility is due
to the inter-granular continuous α phase [61]. When subjected to sub-transus
annealing treatment at 860o C for 4 h, the aspect ratio of α phase did not decrease
due to the progressive globularization of α plate by diffusion process. However,
the sub-transus treatment at 860º C for 1 h, decreases the aspect ratio of α phase to
1.7 with near equi-axed morphology [62].
Laser deposited Ti-60Al (Ti-5.54Al-3.38Sn-3.34Zr-0.37Mo-0.46Si) alloy was
subjected to cyclic thermal exposure tests at 800° C ( 50, 250, 500 and 750° C)
for 120 s followed by compressed air cooling to 150° C in 60 s. It is reported that
the β phase transforms from its fine basket-weave shape to wedge-like and then

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A Review of Additive Manufacturing of α- β Ti Alloy Components through . . . . 799

finally to a granular shape. The α-phase which was initially around 78.5%
increased to 97.6% and coarsened with thermal exposure cycles. Micro-hardness
values showed a linear increase with temperature and the maximum hardness was
33.3% more than the as-deposited sample subjected to 750° C. Solid-solution
strengthening effect of oxygen dissolution during cyclic thermal exposure lead to
the increase in hardness [63].
Qiang et al. [64] characterized the microstructure of Ti alloy, TC21 (Ti-6Al-
2Zr-2Sn-3Mo-1.5Cr-2Nb). Microstructural analysis revealed rib-like α phase at
the bottom and acicular martensite α′ at the top of the sample. The same alloy
characterized by Zhuo Li et al. reports fine basket-weave microstructure of α laths
with meta stable β phase [65].
Further investigation on the comparative mechanical behaviour of CP-Ti and
Ti-6Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V structurally graded materials (SGMs) produced by LAM
show that the strength of all SGM tensile specimens are higher than those of the
monolithic CP-Ti specimens, except the SGM specimen of 10 mm gauge
diameter. Thus, the SGM showed potential for use as load-bearing-components
due to its good strength-ductility balance [66].
Ti-4Al-1.5Mn alloy was laser deposited and it was reported that the α+β phase
region at different temperatures resulted in a bi-modal microstructure including α ′,
which looks like crab claw and β transformed to fine lamellar. Annealing the
alloy at 955º C resulted in 35% of crab-claw-like α ′ that facilitates maximum
impact toughness. Bi-modal microstructure leads to a good combination of
strength and ductility under impact load as it acts as obstacles for crack
propagation [67].
Microstructural investigations on Ti-TiB and CP-Ti composites with different
porosity levels of 10%, 17% and 37% indicated an alpha prime martensitic (α′)
and needle-like shape morphology of particles of TiB distributed in α-Ti matrix.
With increase in porosity, the Young's modulus and compressive strengths
decreased. Young’s modulus decreased sharply from 113 GPa to 13 GPa and 145
to 25 GPa for CP-Ti and Ti-TiB respectively [68].

2.3. Effect of laser process parameters

An overview on the effect of process parameters such as laser scanning speed, Laser
power, gas flow rate, powder flow rate, etc., on SLM/LMD processed T64, Ti-6Al-
4V composites, CP-Ti and other α-β Ti alloys are discussed in this section.

2.3.1. SLM/LMD made Ti-6Al-4V

The summary of findings on the effect of process parameters on Ti-6Al-4V
formed by SLM/LMD is given in Table 3.
The initial process parameters optimization were carried out to minimize
porosity in the SLM processed Ti-6Al-4V parts. Hot-isostatic pressing (HIPing)
was also carried out to minimize internal stresses. With increase in scanning
velocity of laser beam, the number of pores increase and a larger spot size is
recommended to reduce porosity. Heat treatment does not improve ductility in
SLM processed material whereas with HIP, ductility increase up to 19.4% due to
the transformation of martensite to lamellar α+β phases. Hence HIP is

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800 P. Chandramohan et al.

recommended for cyclically loaded components [26, 69]. Similarly in another

work, it is also reported that HIPing of Ti-6Al-4V components reduce the
porosity from 3.05% to 0.81% due to the presence of homogenous α+β
microstructure [70]. In order to obtain isotropic stress field in SLM made
component, it is recommended to maintain short scan vector lengths and uniform
orientation of scan vectors [71].
Rasheedat et al. [72] reported that change in laser power during the deposition of
Ti-6Al-4V powder on Ti-6Al-4V resulted in the formation of layer band even in
single layer deposition which was attributed to shrinkage during solidification in the
fusion zone. With increase in laser power, the density of columnar β grain decrease
and the microstructure of the heat affected zone (HAZ) consisted of fine and coarse
globular α′ . The microstructure also revealed fine to thick martensite with an increase
in the average micro hardness values. In another work, the experimental design and
analysis using the Design Expert 9 revealed that micro-hardness was inversely
proportional to the laser power, while scanning speed was found to be directly
proportional to the micro hardness of Ti-6Al-4V powder deposited on T64 [73].

Table. 3. Effect of process parameters on SLM/LMD.

Process Outcome Reference
Ti-6Al-4V
Porosity 26, 71-77,
SLM-Ti64-HIP-Scan velocity
80, 81
LMD-Ti64-Laser power, Microstructure, micro hardness 8, 34
Design and analysis on laser UTS and YS
power, welding speed, wire
feed rate, Cooling rate and
section size, Building time,
strategy and incident energy
Ti-6Al-4V alloy composite
LMD-Ti64/TiC composite-
Microstructure, micro hardness
Laser power, scan velocity, 78-81
and wear.
Powder flow rate
LMD-Ti64 wire and TiC- Microstructure, hardness wear,
powder flow rate. UTS, ductility, compressive
LMD-Ti64 wire and WC- strength, bonding, fracture
Powder flow rate toughness and elastic properties
78-81
Laser surface nitriding- Ti64 -
Gas flow rate
HAP Coating deposition-Laser
power
CP-Ti and other α-β
SLM-CP-Ti, Microstructure, micro hardness,
SLM-CP-Ti and Ti-TiB, UTS and compressive strength,
SLM-Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn wear, molten pool life time, 86-89, 91
Laser power, scan speed, width and temperature, density
linear energy density and young’s modulus
LMD-Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr-
Laser power, scan speed and Microstructure and build height 90
powder flow rate

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A Review of Additive Manufacturing of α- β Ti Alloy Components through . . . . 801

Single and multi-bead laser deposition studies were conducted on Ti-6Al-4V

substrate using Ti-6Al-4V wire containing ultra-low interstitial atoms by
changing the parameters of laser power, wire-feed and welding speed. The
microstructure varies from globular α-grains in a basket-weave (α+β) matrix to
columnar β-grains comprising of basket-weave (α+β) at different zones. Increase
in wire-feed speed and laser beam power led to grain coarsening in the melted
zone or columnar grain (CG) zone and heat affected zone. Hardness depends on
the process parameters in both zones. The hardness of solidified melt pool (CG
zone) in single bead deposition increased with the amount of base material in the
melt pool due to the presence of higher amount of interstitial impurities such as O,
C and N. In multi-bead deposition, the contamination from the base material
becomes negligible after a few initial layers. Hence the hardness values of multi-
bead were different from those of single bead deposition [74, 75].
Similarly, Tarak et al. [76] reported the effect of cooling rate on the
mechanical properties and microstructure of laser deposited Ti-6Al-4V step
shaped samples. The microstructure reveals fine α′ with increase in the aspect
ratio due to the faster rate of cooling. Increasing the cooling rate and reducing the
substrate size, increases the YS, UTS and hardness remarkably. The increase in
strength was due to the formation of fine needle-like α-phase from coarse plate-
like α. In a related work, the effects of building technique and incident energy on
laser cladding of Ti-6Al-4V reveal that the building time was more dependent on
clad thickness than the building technique. Cladded material shows higher UTS
with better ductility than the substrate [8]. In a recent study made on the influence
of scan speed for scan spacing in SLM of Ti-6Al-4Valloy, higher valued scan
spacing (600 mm/s) results in finer structure with higher α′ martensite needles and
lower valued scan spacing (300 mm/s) results in more acicular martensite [77].
Erhard et al. [34] deposited blocks using a Nd:YAG laser on Ti-6Al-4V wire with
two sets of parameters (laser power of 2.625 and 3.5 kW; deposition speed, 10,7.5
mm/s; wire feed speed, 30, 40 mm/s) followed by post heat treatment at different
conditions (as-built, 600o C for 4 h and 1200o C for 2h). Post heat treatment has
major effect on the hardness of the blocks than the process parameters.

2.3.2. LMD made Ti-6Al-4V alloy composite

The studies reported on effect of process parameters on LMD made Ti-6Al-4V
alloy composite are summarized and presented in Table 3.
Rasheedat et al. [78, 79] investigated the influence of scanning velocity and
laser power on the microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistant property of
laser deposited 50% Ti-6Al-4V/50% TiC composite. It is reported that the
optimal laser power and scanning velocity for better wear resistance performance
are 2 kW and 0.065 m/s respectively. Microstructure reveals a moderate density
of small size unmelted carbides that act as lubricant to improve the sliding wear
property despite a slightly higher roughness value (Ra) of 0.911 µm. Furthermore,
with respect to the powder flow rate, least wear volume of 0.000024 mm 3 was
found to occur at a laser power of 3 kW and with powder flow rate of 2 g/min for
a scanning speed of 0.05 m/s. Formation of Ti3Al at such high power also
contributes for the powder formation that favours smooth sliding [80]. In case of
the multi-layer (4 numbers) deposition made in the same material, the optimized
process parameters of laser power 2.07 kW, scanning speed 0.00083 m/s, powder

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802 P. Chandramohan et al.

flow rate 2 rpm and gas flow rate 2 l/min yield taller (5229.51 µm) deposit than
the one (4983.51 µm) made using constant process parameters of laser power 2.5
kW, scanning speed 0.01 m/s, powder flow rate 2 rpm and gas flow rate 2 l/min.
The microstructure reveals the presence of α-Ti, TiC (49%), intermetallic
compound Ti3Al (22%). The sample produced with the optimized-process
parameters had higher micro hardness of 1200 VHN with lowest wear volume of
0.021 mm3 against 0.12 and 0.033 mm3 for the substrate and constant process
parameters respectively [81].
A study on flow rate of TiC powder in the order of 0.14, 0.3, 0.44, 0.57, 0.7,
0.87, 1.03 g/min during laser deposition using Ti-6Al-4V wire on rolled Ti-6Al-
4V substrate followed by HIPing at 103 MPa pressure and 930 ºC for 4 h, reveal
that uniform spread of TiC in all the samples improve the sliding wear resistance
at its volume fraction more than 24%, but compromising the ductility [82]. In an
another work by Farayibi et al. [83], tungsten carbide powder feed rates of 10 to
40 g/min during the simultaneous laser deposition with Ti-6Al-4V wire on Ti-
6Al-4V substrate produce a microstructure with W, C, TiC, and β-TiC. If the
powder feed rate is increased, mean hardness values also increases in the range of
600 to1030 HV due to the two-phase precipitation of W and TiC at the clad centre
and WC particles at its periphery. Jyotsna [84] studied the effect of laser
parameters on the characteristics of the Ti-6Al-4V surface nitrided layer from 300
to1100 µm. The microstructure consisted of dispersed TiN in α-Ti matrix. This
resulted in increased micro hardness from 280 VHN (untreated) to 600-1200
VHN. As the gas flow rate is increased from 5 l/min to 10 l/min, the residual
stress developed in the surface varied from 250 MPa to 750 MPa for the applied
power of 600 W to 700 W. The compressive strength increased from 1400 MPa to
2500 MPa at a power of 800 W. A related study on the effect of laser power while
depositing hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings on Ti-6Al-4V by melting at 750 W and
1.0 kW revealed that 750 W power facilitated nil dilution and achieved good
microstructure, hardness of 678.5 HV at the interface and 165.9 HV on coating
surface with a strong bonding of HAP with the substrate. The low hardness on the
coated surface and high hardness at the interface probably indicated better
fracture toughness and elastic properties [85].

2.3.3. SLM/LMD made CP-Ti and other α-β Ti alloys

The effect of process parameters like laser power, scan velocity, flow rate of gas
and powder on SLM/LMD made CP-Ti and other α-β Ti alloys are reviewed in
this section and the details are summarized in Table 3.
Attar et al. [86] processed CP-Ti parts using laser power-100W with scanning
speeds above and below 100 mm/s without any post-treatment. Microstructure
revealed fine α′ in the above 100 mm/s speeds and coarse plate like α′ grains in
the below 100 mm/s speeds. Fine α′ formed from β, led to overall improvement in
the micro-hardness (261 HV), compressive (1136 MPa) and tensile strengths (757
MPa), which is attributed to the increase in thermal and kinetics under-cooling.
Similarly, in the SLM processed CP-Ti powder, for the scan speeds from 100 to
400 mm/s, the microstructure changed from relatively coarse lath-shaped α to
refined acicular-shaped α' and then further refined to zig-zag-structured α'. The
scan speeds of 200 and 300 mm/s, linear energy density of 450 and 300 J/m yield
the maximum densification of 99.5%. The other two combinations of low velocity

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A Review of Additive Manufacturing of α- β Ti Alloy Components through . . . . 803

100 mm/s with high LED 900 J/m and high velocity 400 mm/s with low LED 225
J/m result in lower rate of densification due to the microscopic balling
phenomenon, interlayer thermal cracks and presence of Marangoni convection
which has caused liquid instability. The maximum hardness of 3.89 GPa, reduced
coefficient of friction (CoF) of 0.98 and wear rate of 8.43×10-4 mm3 N-1m-1 were
achieved using 300 mm/s and 300 J/ m. Improvement in the wear performance
was attributed to the formation of tribo-layer, adhering plastically on the wear
scar [87].
In another work, while processing CP-Ti by SLM with a laser scan speed of
100 mm/s and laser power of 150 W, Yali and Dongdong [88] achieved the
maximum molten pool temperature as 2248 ºC and lifetime of liquid as 1.47 ms.
By increasing the speed of scan from 50 to 200 mm/s, the molten pool width
decrease from 137.1 to 93.8 µm and the depth from 64.2 to 38.5 µm. However,
a power increase from 100 to 200 W increased the width from 71.2 to 141.4 µm
and depth from 32.7 to 67.3 µm. Hooyar et al. [89] optimised the scan speed
and laser power for the solid CP-Ti and Ti-TiB composites. Microstructural
investigations revealed α-Ti matrix with TiB particles in needle shape as a
result of chemical reaction of irregular-shape TiB2 particles with pure Ti. Due
to the grain refinement and hardening effects of TiB particles, micro-hardness
and compressive strength improved remarkably at an optimum laser power of
185 W and scanning speed of 120 J.mm-3 without metal evaporation and key-
hole effects.
An assessment made on the α-β Ti alloy (Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr) on build
geometry show that at higher laser power, the build height mainly depend on the
powder flow rate and scanning speed. Additional increase in laser power by
keeping the powder flow rate and scanning speed as constant, has little effect on
build height, but coarsened the microstructure. As-fabricated samples were
dominated by β grains. In situ dwelling and annealing promoted α-precipitation,
which led to improved micro hardness closer to that of forged Ti5553.[90] Zhang
et al. [91] also studied the effect of process parameters using increased scan speed
of 550, 650 and 800 mm/s. The density and microhardness of Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn
alloy specimens decrease with increase in scan speed. A lower Young’s modulus
of 53 GPa and UTS of 665 MPa with not less than 10% ductility were reported
for all the samples. The drop in elastic behaviour was attributed to the 0.21 wt.%
oxygen in the processed material.

3. Limitations and Scope for Further Research

The major limitations and scope for further research are identified and listed
below based on the literature reviewed in the area of Additive manufacturing of
α-β Ti alloy components through SLM and LMD processes.
i. Limited investigations have been reported with the build geometry [8, 90]
which is a major deciding factor to understand the solidification pattern.
Hence, it is essential to extend the build geometry research. Vertical built up
and horizontal laying may be used to build Ti-6Al-4V specimens using SLM
technology and further research with respect to macrostructure,
microstructure, texture orientation, mechanical properties such as fatigue
strength, tensile strength, creep strength and micro-hardness.

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804 P. Chandramohan et al.

ii. Post heat treatment studies reveal that there exists challenge in achieving the
appropriate microstructure, mechanical soundness (specifically the ductility)
[34, 35] and good surface finish. The underlying mechanism to withstand
cyclic loads and to achieve the required fatigue strength and creep resistance
is not well documented. Heat treatment studies on the built specimens may be
carried out at 1050oC, 800oC and 650oC. Varying cooling rate in the order of
50oC/h, 250oC/h, 500oC/h and higher quench rates may produce the optimum
parameters for desired microstructure and mechanical properties.
iii. There is a paucity of comparative studies on the subsequent influence of
varying alloying elements in the metal powder for additive manufacturing
[54, 55, 84]. Other than α and β stabilizing elements, the role of neutral
elements also needs to be investigated further. Laser deposition of Ti-6Al-
2Sn-2Mo-2Cr-0.25Si metal powder on Ti substrate may be experimented
which is not reported in the literature.
iv. Investigation of bulk crystallographic texture and micro texture in the as-
formed and in heat treated condition has not been carried out
comprehensively using techniques such as orientation imaging microscopy
(OIM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). These studies will
reveal the grain boundary angle and grain size distribution which is an
essential input for improving the micro hardness [39-42, 64].
v. Metallographic and texture (micro and bulk) orientation studies can be made
on the laser deposited Ti-6Al-2Sn-2Mo-2Cr-0.25Si at different zones like
clad, fusion zone, heat affected zone and in the substrate. The phenomena like
local property effects, orientation variations within individual grains, grain
size distribution and phase relationships may be studied.
vi. In multi bead deposition of Ti composites, the hardness vary from top to
bottom layers which is due to the difference in impurity level [74, 75]. In
addition, the layer bonding varies with multi-bead deposition. This can be
compensated by varying the process parameters while depositing beads from
bottom to top. Need exist for the optimization of process parameters including
laser power, scanning speed, powder flow rate and gas flow rate to achieve
proper layer bonding without porosity and uniform hardness throughout the
layers in Ti-6Al-2Sn-2Mo-2Cr-0.25Si deposition.
vii. Significant work has not been carried out to study the creep behaviour of
SLM and LMD made components. For aircraft applications, a
comprehensive knowledge about these behaviour is highly essential and
worth carrying research.
viii. Remote additive manufacturing is not documented in the review of
literature. This technique would be highly essential in the repair of worn-out
or damaged components for defence applications in the war front.
ix. Real time identification of defects, stress, microstructure and composition
during manufacturing process is unexplored. In-situ identification of phase
transformation would save enormous amount of capital resource of materials
and human time usually spent in reactive responses.
x. Reliability studies carried out in multi-layer deposited components are not
adequately reported. Conventional statistical quality control will not suit AM

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A Review of Additive Manufacturing of α- β Ti Alloy Components through . . . . 805

and hence in-process control is very much necessary. Certification standards

have to be developed for additive manufacturing

4. Conclusions
In this review, an overview of the micro/macrostructures as well as resulting
mechanical properties of SLM and LMD processed α-β Ti alloy and CP-Ti
component has been presented. Also the effects of processing parameters
are discussed.
Predominantly it is reported that during solidification of α-β Ti alloy,
columnar prior β-grains grow epitaxially across several layers and against the heat
flow. However, most of the work has been made under laboratory conditions
without achieving repeatability in the structure and properties. Surface finish and
ductility are still lacking behind wrought or conventionally formed material of
same alloy. These are due to process factors such as laser intensity, powder flow
/wire feed rate, metal deposition strategy, etc., which still needs to be optimized
for the specific application, size and shape of components. This is a major hurdle
in employing mass production to additive manufacturing, particularly for parts
used in high risk fields like aerospace, nuclear and bio-medical.
Reduction of support structures have been carried out using hybrid
manufacturing process and multi-axis deposition. Wire feed control in multi
bead deposition and predictions of thermal history have been analyzed
separately by developing few algorithms. However, these are found to have
certain limitations in the integration of build geometry, multi bead deposition
and solidification pattern.
The limitations and future research requirements of additive manufacturing α-
β Ti alloy components through SLM and LMD are recognized and suggestions to
overcome the problems are also discussed.
Wide spectrums of investigations are reviewed in this article on the topic of
additive manufacturing α-β Ti alloy components through SLM and LMD. Based
on the discussions made here, it is clearly understood that, well optimized process
parameters supported by modelling and simulation would make SLM and LMD
processed CP-Ti and α-β Ti alloy composites viable choices for commercial
applications. The information provided in this article is intended to equip the
researchers working in this field with an overview of some methods of additive
manufacturing and the metallurgy of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy and its variants.

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