Heat transfer and phase formation through EBM 3D-printing of Ti-6Al-4V cylindrical parts

3d-printing or additive manufacturing (AM) is a group of novel intensively developed production processes, through which a "printed" object is fabricated layer-by-layer in a desired intricate geometrical shape, followed by joining it into a monolithic bulk by means of Electron Beam (EB) or Laser Beam (LB) melting. The present study concentrates on the production of simple-shaped (cylindrical) Ti-6Al-4V alloy samples by Electron Beam Melting (EBM). The effect of heat transfer conditions on the microstructure and properties obtained has been investigated. Heat transfer modelling and simulation were done utilizing the ABAQUS software package. The microstructure of the obtained material has been characterized by means of SEM and XRD. Hardness and microhardness have been also determined and correlated with the simulation results.