Preparation and mechanical properties of 316L-Ti composites by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Abstract To investigate the feasibility of additive manufacturing of energetic structural materials, this study fabricated 316L-Ti composites using Laser Powder Bed Fusion. The research examined the forming process parameters of 316L-Ti and analyzed the changes in relative density, defects, phases, and mechanical properties of the composites with varying laser energy densities. The results indicate that the primary defects in 316L-Ti composite samples are delamination and lack of fusion (LoF) pores. At high laser energy densities, delamination cracks are likely to occur, leading to significant delamination, warping, and even failure to form the samples. Conversely, at low laser energy densities, samples show minimal delamination but an increase LoF pores, leading to worsened mechanical properties. The addition of titanium results in the presence of both austenite and ferrite phases. Optimal results are achieved at a laser energy density of 120 W and a scanning rate of 1200 mm/s, yielding samples with minimal defects, achieving a density of 91.69% of the theoretical value, and demonstrating a compressive strength of 1191 MPa.