Characterization of the hot forming behavior of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V

In the present work, issues related to the viability and design of the innovative hybrid processing chain combining the production of pre-forms made of Ti-6Al-4V material through additive manufacturing and subsequent hot forming were studied. Basic investigations were performed on hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V material. The results show that the additively manufactured materials exhibit both lower flow stresses and a faster globularization kinetic during hot forming operations. This behavior is a consequence of the microstructure of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V. The findings of the present study can be used to design new process chains that allow for single-step net-shape forging of Ti-6Al-4V parts at reduced forming forces. Isothermal forging of a jet engine blade was performed and used to analyse the microstructure evolution of additively manufactured parts and their mechanical properties. It was shown that substantial improvements in mechanical properties of additively manufactured material can be achieved by hot forging and subsequent heat treatment. The results confirm that hybrid technologies combining additive manufacturing and hot forming are high-potential for Ti-6Al-4V part production regarding material savings and cost.