Deposition of Ti–6Al–4V using laser and wire, part II: Hardness and dimensions of single beads

Mechanical properties of additive manufactured components are greatly dependent on the microstructure, which is in turn greatly dependent on the thermal history. Single beads deposited are the fundamental unit of multi-layered components manufactured by an additive process. Dimensions and hardness of numerous single beads deposited and bead-on-plates are measured. The results are evaluated statistically in terms of indicating thermal history. The beads were produced using a Nd:YAG laser, Ti–6Al–4V substrate and Ti–6Al–4V (extra low interstitials) wire. The parameters varied are the laser beam power, welding speed, and wire-feed speed. The experiments show that hardness measurements are not necessarily useful to indicate thermal history, in contrast to dimensional measurements.

► Hardness and dimensions of Ti–6Al–4V single beads are investigated.
► Dimensions of beads are an appropriate, qualitative indicator of thermal history.
► Hardness of beads is not necessarily useful for indicating thermal history.