| Abstract Scope |
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is a favorable process from a metallurgical perspective due to its capability to tailor ultrafine, metastable, and hierarchical microstructures. In near-α and dual-phase α+β titanium alloys, the hierarchical features include prior beta grain boundaries, martensitic lath structures (α’ martensite), nanotwins, and dislocation networks. This study investigates the microstructure of two titanium alloys, Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo, using multi-scale microscopy. The components were fabricated via laser powder bed fusion. The kinetics of the α to β phase transformation were studied using differential scanning calorimetry, and these results were applied to design heat treatments aimed at achieving an optimal strength-ductility synergy. The mechanical properties were then correlated with the microstructure to elucidate the relationship between microstructure and mechanical performance. This study provides insights into a novel approach for the heat treatment of AM components, highlighting the role of microstructure in tailoring physical properties to achieve the desired strength-ductility balance. |