Laser Welding Modes Optimization of the Selective Laser Melted Ti-6Al-4V Thin-Thickness Parts with Complex Shape

Abstract

The paper studies laser welding of thin-thickness Ti-6Al-4V parts, manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM). A full factorial experiment was carried out in order to construct a regression model of the technological parameters (laser power, welding speed, and defocusing amount) which influence the weld shape. Metallographic analysis was carried out and it was found that thermal cycles of product printing and laser welding are equivalent. The microhardness analysis also showed no differences between the weld metal and the base metal. The contour plots of the parameters influence on the response function was constructed, and the area of welding modes was determined.

Keywords

• laser welding
• selective laser melting
• Ti-6Al-4V
• design of experiment