Additive manufacturing of Ti-45Al-4Nb-C by selective electron beam melting for automotive applications

Selective electron beam melting (SEBM) is shown to be a viable production route for titanium aluminides components. Fully dense and crack free parts can be produced. In the present paper a titanium aluminide alloy Ti-45Al-4Nb-C was investigated and the complete processing chain was developed, i.e. starting from the determination of the processing window, the evaluation of corresponding material properties for cube like specimens and finally the production of turbocharger wheels. The material properties were optimized by adjusting scanning strategy as well as heat treatment with particular consideration of the application to turbocharger wheels. The issue of dimensional accuracy and the feasibility of joining will be discussed and a proof test is performed.