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).