Influence of surface topography on fatigue behavior of Ti6Al4V alloy by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract This article deals with the understanding of the influence of surface topography on fatigue behavior of Ti6Al4V alloy specimens produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The same laser parameters and scan strategy were used for all specimens, giving a sample density higher than 99.5 %. Two different surface topographies were obtained by using the top and side surfaces of the specimens. The surface topography and morphology were investigated by optical surface profilometry and focus variation microscopy. Four-point bending fatigue test was performed on specimens with top and side surfaces as the highest stressed surface respectively. Machined specimens were used as reference. The features of the fracture surface, such as crack initiation and propagation, were analyzed by focus variation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both, fatigue results and fracture surface investigations, were correlated and discussed in relation to surface topography and microstructure, as well as manufacturing parameters.