Grain structure control during metal 3D printing by high-intensity ultrasound

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals, also known as metal 3D printing, typically leads to the formation of columnar grain structures along the build direction in most as-built metals and alloys. These long columnar grains can cause property anisotropy, which is usually detrimental to component qualification or targeted applications. Here, without changing alloy chemistry, we demonstrate an AM solidification-control solution to printing metallic alloys with an equiaxed grain structure and improved mechanical properties. Using the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V as a model alloy, we employ high-intensity ultrasound to achieve full transition from columnar grains to fine (~100 µm) equiaxed grains in AM Ti-6Al-4V…

• ES
  European Space Agency

  Award: FP7-NMP3-LA-2012-280421
• EC
  European Commission

  Awards: FP7-NMP3-LA-2012-280421, 280421
• RU
  RMIT University
• UO
  University of Queensland
• AR
  Australian Research Council

  Awards: DP150104719, DE160100260, DP140100702, DP160100560
• FN
  FP7 Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies

  Award: FP7-NMP3-LA-2012-280421