The effect of different elements on the properties of titanium alloys castings, welds and metal deposited material

Important results from the project

One of the project aims was to increase the knowledge and competence in metal deposition of Ti-6Al-4V and to support the PhD-student involved in the project to finish her PhD work. The knowledge and competence within metal deposition of Ti.6Al-4V has increased significantly as an effect from the work in this project. Because of mothers-leave the PhD student involved in this project is behind the original plan, 1 year. But the PhD student will still finish her work within normal time frames for a PhD student (4 years). Therefore the purpose and aim of this project is considered as fulfilled.

Expected long term effects

Mechanical testing in this project reveals that the building direction during metal deposition affects the ductility. This makes it necessary to take into consideration the building direction when designing metal deposited components. Some mechanical properties of metal deposited Ti-6Al-4V are similar to those of wrought Ti-64 (best mechanical properties, most expensive), while other properties are similar to those of cast material (lowest properties, cheapest). The effect from this will be that new requirements are needed for the qualification of metal deposited Ti-64.

Approach and implementation

The project involved a cluster leader (the project leader) who worked part time at LTU and GKN. The work was divided into separate work-packages. Manufacturing of metal deposited Ti-6Al-4V and mechanical testing of differently built material was performed by GKN, while the investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties was done by LTU. Part of the work at LTU was delayed because of that the PhD student was on mother´s leave for 1 year. But the work in this project will be finalized during the coming year.