Effect of Hot Isostatic Pressure treatment on the Electron-Beam Melted Ti-6Al-4V specimens

The main advantages of additive manufacturing (AM), including fabrication of complex geometry lightweight objects, lattice structures, chain and gear mechanisms, better environment saving materials and resources and energy, better tool life of component, etc. are already well known. The main challenge in AM of metals is to achieve proper mechanical properties and performance, especially for safety critical parts. Thus, post-processing procedures for AM come to the front. In the framework of this research were prepared specimens by Electron Beam Melting (EBM). In case of the EBM, the greatest problem is porosity, which is especially critical for airspace components. One of the procedures recommended for decreasing porosity is Hot Isostatic Pressure (HIP) treatment, and its effect should be thoroughly studied to widespread its application. To investigate this aspect, Ti-6Al-4V cylinder parts were printed on the ARCAM EBM A2X machine using a 210×210 mm building platform. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the EBM specimens were tested before and after the HIP treatment. High cycle fatigue tests (HCFT), fracture surface examination, as well as micro-CT evaluation were performed.