Improving VT6 Titanium-Alloy Components Produced by Multilayer Surfacing

The influence of layer-by-layer forging and subsequent heat treatment on the structure and properties of VT6 titanium-alloy parts made by layer-by-layer surfacing is investigated. The best mechanical properties (strength and plasticity) and the best microstructure of the metal are attained in multilayer surfacing with layer-by-layer forging and subsequent heat treatment. In that case, the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed samples correspond to those of VT6 alloy samples produced by stamping.