Additive manufacturing of Ti6Al4V alloy: A review

In this paper, the recent progress on Ti6Al4V fabricated by three mostly developed additive manufacturing (AM) techniques-directed energy deposition (DED), selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM)-is thoroughly investigated and compared. Fundamental knowledge is provided for the creation of links between processing parameters, resultant microstructures and associated mechanical properties. Room temperature tensile and fatigue properties are also reviewed and compared to traditionally manufactured Ti6Al4V parts. The presence of defects in as-built AM Ti6Al4V components and the influences of these defects on mechanical performances are also critically discussed.