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Factors influencing powder-properties of TiAl6V4 along the L-PBF process chain

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Abstract

In the laser-based powder bed fusion process (L-PBF), the used powder is exposed to a multitude of mechanical and atmospheric parameters along the entire process chain, beginning with the production of the powder, over transportation, storage and processing and ending with the recycling of the material. The chemical composition and shape of individual powder particles, for example, as well as the characteristic properties of the entire powdered material change depending on the duration and intensity of the effects of, among other things, the atmosphere, temperature, humidity and external forces. Once the influencing variables and their effects are known, the changes in the powder can be counteracted in a targeted manner. In this way, it is possible to restore or maintain the powder properties relevant to the L-PBF process, making the overall process more robust and reliable. This paper discusses the results of investigations on significant influencing factors that cause a change in the powder material during L-PBF, representing the cost-intensive titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. The results can be used to derive powder handling and management recommendations that can ensure powder quality throughout the service life.

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Acknowledgements

The presented results were part of a research project (IGF- project 19204 BG) carried out in the framework of the industrial collective research programme. It was supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) through the AiF (German Federation of Industrial Research Associations eV) based on a decision taken by the German Bundestag.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ifw Jena | Günter-Köhler-Institut für Fügetechnik und Werkstoffprüfung GmbH, Jena, Germany

    Sebastian Matthes & Simon Jahn

  2. IAPT, Fraunhofer Einrichtung für Additive Produktionstechnologien, Hamburg, Germany

    Maximilian Kluge & Claus Emmelmann

Authors
  1. Sebastian Matthes
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  2. Maximilian Kluge
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  3. Simon Jahn
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  4. Claus Emmelmann
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Correspondence to Sebastian Matthes.

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Matthes, S., Kluge, M., Jahn, S. et al. Factors influencing powder-properties of TiAl6V4 along the L-PBF process chain. Prog Addit Manuf 5, 33–39 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-020-00120-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-020-00120-y

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