Influence of hot isostatic pressing and surface finish on the mechanical behaviour of Ti6Al4V processed by electron beam melting

Electron beam melting (EBM) is one of a few additive manufacturing technologies capable of making full-density functional metallic parts realized from raw materials in the form of powders. The ability of direct fabrications of metallic parts can accelerate product design and development in a wide range of metallic-part applications, especially for complex components, which are difficult to make by conventional manufacturing means. To capitalize on these benefits, it must be shown that the mechanical performances of parts produced by EBM can meet design requirements. In this research, an intensive mechanical characterization aimed at determining static and fatigue performance of the alloy Ti6Al4V processed by EBM was performed. The effect of both post-processing treatments (HIP and surface finish) on the mechanical behaviour was evaluated by mechanical testing, microstructural study, computed tomography analysis and fracture surface investigation.