Influence of Supertransus Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Compressive Performance of Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V (ELI)

Additive manufacturing (AM) has gained significant attention as a promising technique for producing complex-shaped components, particularly in the aerospace and biomedical industries. However, post-processing steps, such as heat treatment, can significantly influence the mechanical properties of additively manufactured parts. This research investigates the effect of supertransus heat treatment on the compressive behavior of Ti-6Al-4V (ELI) alloy produced through additive manufacturing. The specimens were subjected to a series of heat treatment cycles, including solution treatment and aging above the β-transus temperature range. Compressive tests were conducted on as-received and heat-treated samples to evaluate their mechanical properties and deformation behavior. Microstructure characterization was performed using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the microstructure of the as-built material primarily consisted of columnar grains and acicular α' martensite. Significant variations in microstructure were observed in heat-treated samples, particularly with changes in the cooling rate. The microstructure changes closely correlated with the compressive properties of the heat-treated samples. The heat-treated samples showed a reduction in compressive strength compared to the as-received samples but exhibited improved elongation behavior. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of post-processing effects on the mechanical properties of additively manufactured materials, enabling the development of high-performance components for various applications.