Forming quality analysis of TC4 titanium alloy based on SLM orthogonal process

Abstract The TC4 titanium alloy bulk and irregular porous structures were prepared using Selective Laser Melting (SLM). This study systematically investigated the effects of laser power, scanning speed, scanning spacing, and laser energy density on the forming quality of TC4 titanium alloy specimens, through orthogonal experimental design. The research results indicate that laser power is the primary factor affecting the density of TC4 titanium alloy bulk during the SLM process. With the increase of laser energy density, the density of the specimens shows an initial increase followed by a decrease, while Vickers hardness and surface roughness exhibit a decreasing trend followed by an increasing trend. Moreover, the surface of the specimens transforms from a rough surface with a significant presence of pores, voids, or unmelted powder particles to a relatively smooth and flat surface, accompanied by a reduction in the size and quantity of pore defects.