3D printing technology for titanium alloy and its defect

Abstract

The development of 3D printing technology, basic principles and technical features are introduced. Several major 3D printing technologies of titanium alloy both at home and abroad are reviewed: selective laser sintering technology (SLS), selective laser melting technology (SLM), laser solid forming technology (LSF), electron beam selective melting technology (EBSM) and electron beam fuse deposition forming technology (EBF3). By comparison, EBSM technology is the most promising 3D printing technology for titanium alloy in the future because of its high efficiency, high accuracy, low cost and no pollution. The cause and detection of defects in the process of forming is an important research focus in the field of 3D printing, and it is also the basis of the realization of the application of 3D printing parts. The classification, harm and cause of the main defects (including spheroidization, cracks, porosity and warpage) in the process of 3D printing for titanium alloy, as well as the nondestructive testing technology commonly used in 3D printing are introduced. And combined with domestic and foreign research situation, the methods to restrain or improve the above defects are discussed. Finally, the prospect of the future development of 3D printing technology for titanium alloy is prospected from the aspects of materials, equipment and testing technology.

Keywords

• 3D printing technology
• titanium alloy
• nondestructive testing
• spheroidization
• crack
• porosity
• warpage