Developing a process strategy to develop high quality Titanium component through LASER based additive manufacturing Ref.No.SSTCRC2620
1. Introduction
Additive Manufacturing (AM) of titanium and its alloys has emerged as a transformative approach in producing high-performance components for aerospace, biomedical, and defense applications. Titanium alloys, particularly Ti-6Al-4V, are valued for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, conventional manufacturing of titanium is cost-intensive due to difficulties in machining, high material wastage, and limitations in shaping complex geometries. Laser-based additive manufacturing (LBAM) offers a promising alternative by enabling near-net-shape fabrication with reduced material usage, design flexibility, and the ability to tailor microstructures through process control. Despite these advantages, challenges persist in achieving consistent quality, especially in terms of porosity, residual stresses, anisotropy, and surface finish, which limit the widespread adoption of LBAM for critical titanium components.
Developing a robust process strategy is therefore essential to harness the full potential of laser-based AM for titanium. Careful optimization of process parameters such as laser power, scanning speed, hatch spacing, and layer thickness can significantly influence the thermal history, microstructural evolution, and resulting mechanical properties. Furthermore, integrating in-situ monitoring and post-processing strategies can address defects and enhance reproducibility. A systematic process framework tailored to titanium not only ensures high-quality, defect-free components but also accelerates qualification for industrial use in safety-critical sectors. This project aims to develop such a strategy, bridging fundamental process understanding with application-oriented outcomes to establish reliable pathways for manufacturing advanced titanium components using LBAM.
2. Research Progress
Work done:
-Literature review to get a thorough understanding on work done till now in the field
-Designed a fixture for printing Titanium using LASER based DED.
Work to be initiated:
-Powder procurement
-Printing coupons
-Metallurgical and mechanical investigation
3. Cooperation Required
-Financial support for procurement of Titanium powders – 20 kg.
The collaborator from China could send the material to our lab. The facilities required for material development and characterization are available at IIT Bhilai.
-Possible funding for short term visit to Chinese universities for research discussion and understanding the available facilities.
4. Benefits
-Technological cooperation
-Publications
5. Outputs
Paper-1: on the development strategy
Paper-2: on post-process heat treatment strategy
Paper-3: on the creep behavior of AM Ti
Paper-4: Surface treatment for improved fatigue performance.