Laser-inherent porosity defects in additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V implant: Formation, distribution, and effect on fatigue performance

Porosity defects are inherently present in Ti–6Al–4V (Ti6-4) parts produced using additive manufacturing (AM) methods like laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF). This work aims to investigate different laser-inherent porosity defects at various LPBF parameter settings and assess their impact on the fatigue behaviour of Ti6-4 implants processed by LPBF. The presence of LPBF-inherent porosity defects with different shapes and sizes was established using microstructural examination and X-ray micro-CT analysis. These mostly comprise lack-of-fusion porosity (LoFP), gas-entrapped porosity (GeP), and pores-induced microcracks. Volumetric porosity defects were seen to range from 1.9 × 104 to 9.52 × 105 μm3. The L-1 specimen exhibited the lowest defect, while the L-6 specimen displayed the largest number of defects. While LoFP defects predominate in L-6, there was a notable presence of GeP defects in the specimens processed using the factory default condition (L-D). Upon examination of the majority of specimens, GeP and LoFP coalesced to form clusters, leading to the formation of pores-induced microcracks. This ultimately leads to a decrease in fatigue performance. By maintaining the power at the default setting and increasing the scan speed by 8% of the default value, a specimen (L-1) with minimal porosity defects and superior fatigue performance is achieved. L-6 exhibits defects with significant dimensions and irregular form. Consequently, it displays inferior fatigue characteristics.