Investigation of Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy powder properties and development of the L-PBF process

Abstract

The processing of new generation titanium alloys using the Laser-based Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technology is an innovation in the world of science. The selection of parameters as well as the determination of the process window enabling the processing of powder based on the chemical composition of Ti-13Nb-13Zr is the main element of this research. The wide spectrum of powder tests, such as batch powder analysis in the field of microscopic examination, powder fraction and distribution, dynamic flow tests, and examination of the chemical composition of powders, have delivered comprehensive results. Followed by the development of key set parameters affecting the efficiency of the L-PBF process and thus providing low porosity samples. As part of this study, an analysis of the influence of the thermal additive manufacturing process on the microstructural changes of the material was carried out using the methods of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, as well as the analysis of X-ray fluorescence. The research confirmed the possibility of obtaining a high relative density of the material produced with the use of additive technologies at the level of over 99% while maintaining a stable chemical composition of the material meeting the ASTM F1713 conditions.

Keywords

• L-PBF
• Ti-13Nb-13Zr
• Process parameters determination
• Material investigation
• Powder analysis