Abstract
tElectron beam melting (EBM) is a metal powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) technology thatmakes possible the fabrication of three-dimensional near-net-shaped parts directly from computer mod-els. EBM technology has been continuously evolving, optimizing the properties and the microstructureof the as-fabricated alloys. Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Extra Low Interstitials) titanium alloy is the most widely usedand studied alloy for this technology and is the focus of this work. Several research works have beencompleted to study the mechanisms of microstructure formation, evolution, and its subsequent influ-ence on mechanical properties of the alloy. However, the relationship is not completely understood, andmore systematic research work is necessary in order to attain a better understanding of these features. Inthis work, samples fabricated at different locations, orientations, and distances from the build platformhave been characterized, studying the relationship of these variables with the resulting material intrinsiccharacteristics and properties (surface topography, microstructure, porosity, micro-hardness and staticmechanical properties). This study has revealed that porosity is the main factor controlling mechanicalproperties relative to the other studied variables. Therefore, in future process development, decreasingthe porosity should be considered the primary goal in order to improve mechanical properties.© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
