PLASMA NITRIDING OF SELECTIVE LASER MELTED Ti6AL4V ALLOY AFTER HOT ISOSTATIC PRESSING TREATMENT

Selective laser melting (SLM) has emerged as a practical manufacturing method for complex components. Consequently, post-printing heat treatment and surface modification have also become important topics in this field. This study involved the preparation of Ti6Al4V plates using SLM technology. The plasma nitriding behavior of these plates was examined preliminarily, considering factors such as microstructure, surface morphology, phase composition, and corrosion resistance, both in the as-printed condition and after hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment. The results revealed that the uneven microstructure and printing defects could pose a threat to the corrosion resistance of the substrate and the integrity of the nitride film. The appearance of the [Formula: see text] phase after HIP treatment can effectively improve the nitriding rate. It is suggested that sequential HIP, surface polishing, and plasma nitriding could serve as the final surface treatment process for SLM-produced Ti6Al4V parts.