Linear friction welding of Ti-6Al-4V parts produced by electron beam melting

The linear friction welding (LFW) of Ti-6Al-4V parts manufactured through electron beam melting (EBM) is investigated using different processing conditions of frequency (from 40 to 50 Hz) and pressure (from 55 to 75 MPa). The microstructure, hardness, and porosity of the different zones of the weld are analyzed in relation to the parent material. The experiments show that LFW is a viable technology for Ti-6Al-4V EBMed parts since it produces welds with hardness and microstructure comparable to those of the base material. Furthermore, the process is demonstrated to be quite robust in the range of specific power input going from ~0.7 to ~1.2 W/mm2. LFW of small EBMed parts to form larger components is of particular interest for the industrialization of titanium alloy aerospace components produced by means of additive manufacturing.