A brief introduction to the selective laser melting of Ti6Al4V powders by supreme-speed plasma rotating electrode process
Yang Liu, Xiao-hao Zhao, Yunjin Lai, Qingxiang Wang, Liming Lei, Shujin Liang
Abstract
In the present study, Ti6Al4V spherical powders were prepared by supreme-speed plasma rotating electrode process and the particle size fit log-normal distribution. The average diameter of the powders was successfully determined by a model developed in this work, suggesting that the particle size distribution is mainly affected by the rotating speed. The log-normal distribution factor of the particle size distribution maintains stable as the rotating speed ω varies. The particle size distribution indicates that the main atomization mode of Ti6Al4V under supreme-speed plasma rotating electrode process is of the characteristics of direct drop formation. The mechanical properties of the samples prepared by selective laser melting of Ti6Al4V powders were characterized, indicating that such Ti6Al4V samples with isotropy structure exhibit high yield strength and good ductility.