Results and Discussion

Microstructure

Ti6Al4V parts manufactured using LPBF process are characterized by an α’ martensitic phase due to the rapid cooling, which makes the material brittle51. This brittle nature of martensitic phase can be detrimental to fatigue properties of the part due to its higher susceptibility to voids and surface defects. However, the specimens considered in this study were subjected to heat treatment after the manufacturing process. This heat treatment transforms the brittle α’ to a more ductile α+β phase. The microstructure of the LPBF specimens was obtained in two different planes as shown in Fig.3. A uniform basket-weave microstructure was obtained with α+β lamellae phase, indicating a significant change in the microstructure from the heat treatment process in Fig.3(a).