Understanding the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718 alloys manufactured by Laser Engineered Net Shaping

Abstract Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS®) is a metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) technique that carries great potential for the fabrication and repair of high-integrity structural and engine components. Confident application of the LENS technique requires a fundamental understanding of the microstructure and properties of the fabricated materials, as well as their correlations to processing conditions. In this study, two alloys fabricated by LENS, Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718, were examined and compared to their wrought counterparts. The differences between low and high laser power fabrications, as well as the effects of various post-LENS heat treatments were systematically investigated and discussed. The interfacial bond strength between LENS depositions and substrates were also evaluated for repair purposes.