Characterization of Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam Ti6Al4V Samples in the As-Built and Stress-Relief States

Despite the advantages of powder bed fusion-laser beam (PBF-LB), Ti6Al4V components often exhibit high yield strength but limited ductility, which restricts their use in critical structural applications. This study aims to identify the most effective heat treatment to optimize the strength-ductility balance in Ti6Al4V parts produced by PBF-LB and to establish direct correlations between microstructural states, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior. Two distinct post-processing heat treatments were applied, specifically, the first at 500 °C for 5 h and the second at 800 °C for 2 h, both followed by air cooling. The microstructure was characterized using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical behavior was assessed through Vickers microhardness testing and tensile testing, while corrosion resistance was evaluated via electrochemical measurements. Residual stress profiles were determined using the hole-drilling strain gauge method, in both as-built and heat-treated conditions. The as-built samples displayed a fully martensitic α' structure with columnar grains aligned parallel to the laser scanning direction, resulting from rapid solidification. Heat treatment at 500 °C caused only partial decomposition of acicular martensite into substructures without altering its acicular morphology, leading to a strengthening effect alongside a reduction in ductility. Conversely, heat treatment at 800 °C offered the most balanced combination of strength and ductility among the conditions studied, albeit with a moderate reduction in corrosion resistance.