Selective laser melting of titanium alloys: effect of processing parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties

Selective laser melting (SLM) technique is a prevalently used additive manufacturing (AM) technology. In this paper, a comprehensive review focusing on the effect of the SLM process parameters on Ti-6Al-4V alloy's mechanical properties and the microstructure in as-built conditions is performed. In this work, the SLM process parameters such as laser power, laser scanning speed, layer thickness, hatch spacing, and scanning strategies are discussed and compared in a detailed manner. The influence of these process parameters on the microstructure and density, which affects the mechanical properties such as yield strength, elongation, and fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, have been reported. Finally, a set of optimal processing parameters suitable for Ti6Al4V material amenable for the SLM process technique has arrived.