Coupling machining and heat treatment to enhance the wear behaviour of an Additive Manufactured Ti6Al4V titanium alloy

- The effect of coupling machining and heat treatment on Ti6Al4V wear behaviour was studied.
- Wear performances of EBM Ti6Al4V under in-vitro condition was evaluated.
- Heat-treated samples presented a hardened layer of martensite on the surface.
- Lower wear volume characterized the heat-treated Ti6Al4V samples.
- Wear protective adhered patches were found on the heat-treated samples.

The effect of coupling machining with a subsequent heat treatment on the wear behaviour of the Ti6Al4V alloy produced by Electron Beam Melting (EBM) was investigated. Reciprocating sliding wear tests in saline solution and temperature-controlled environment were performed. Results showed that the heat-treated cylinders presented a lower coefficient of friction, less wear rate and higher degree of adhesive wear compared to the not heat-treated ones. It was then demonstrated that coupling machining and heat treatment had a synergistic effect that can be used as an efficient strategy in order to improve the EBM Ti6Al4V wear resistance.