Post-processing framework for as-built LPBF Ti-6Al-4V parts towards meeting industry functional requirements

Abstract

Although metal additive manufacturing (MAM) technologies such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) are finding applications in aerospace industries, the as-built part properties are not consistently meeting the required functional requirements. As such, this study aims to develop a general qualification strategy and an overview of a conceptual post-processing framework to qualify LPBF parts for aerospace applications. The approach was to use data obtained from published journals and standards, which were organized into three data sets. The current understanding from the three data sets was used to develop the post-processing framework as applied to a Ti-6Al-4V aerospace component. The novelty of this article is two-fold. First, four fundamental attributes to structural integrity are collectively presented into one framework. Second, a clear step-by-step guideline is provided to easily identify relevant options on how each attribute should be qualified for industry application.