Characterisation of Ti-6Al-4V deposits produced by arc-wire based additive manufacture

Significant efforts have been made in recent times to reduce the relatively high cost associated with titanium alloys and hence allow for greater utilisation of the unique properties offered by these materials. One such area of interest is additive manufacturing of components through arc-wire based fusion welding processes. The present thesis details research conducted to characterise aspects of weldability of the Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy related to this emerging manufacturing process. The resulting properties of the final deposit were also evaluated, with conclusions drawn on the suitability of the arc-wire deposition technique for the additive manufacture of large scale titanium components. Initial research was conducted to investigate the current primary and secondary production and manufacturing methods for titanium alloys. Particular emphasis is given to the shortcomings of these which contribute to the high final component costs currently seen in industry. Methods to address these shortcomings were investigated with the so-called ‘near net shape’ and additive manufacturing methods discussed in depth.