Laser rapid forming of titanium component

A novel solid freeform fabrication technology, Laser Rapid Forming (LRF), has been developed to fabricate titanium alloy and other metallic alloy components. The LRF facilities were self-built and improved in the past years, which consist of a YAG laser with the maximum power of 2 kW, a CO2 laser with the maximum power of 5 kW, a 4 axes and a 5 axes numerical control worktable and some other related equipments. A set of LRF experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of various processing parameters and then the significant process variables for improving surface finish and achieving optimum material microstructures can be identified. Temperature sensors and high-speed photography technology were used to get the molten pool's information during the LRF. Some process design and technical treating were taken to reduce the heat stress, and to assure the stability of LRF process. The LRF titanium components tend to form fine and acicular basket-weave microstructure. The mechanical properties of the LRF samples fall in the range of forgings. The powder materials used for the LRF include commercially pure titanium, Ti-6Al-4V alloy and Ti-Zr alloy. The applications include integrally reinforced ribbed structural components for aircraft, repair of titanium and superalloy components, and the implants in oral medicine.