Authors:
Noluthando B. Mthembu (1), Natasha Sacks (2)
1- Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, South Africa
Abstract:
In this study the influence of laser power and scanning speed was investigated on the development of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy reinforced with 10wt%WC to form a metal matrix composite. Response surface methodology was used for both the design of experiments and results analyses. The laser power was varied between 95 and 195W while the scanning speed was varied between 600 and 1000mm/s. Cubic samples were deposited using a continuous alternating meander scanning pattern which was selected after initial optimization of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Density, porosity, and Vickers micro-hardness (transverse and longitudinal directions) were measured, while the microstructure was studied using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Relationships were established between the measured material properties and the deposition parameters in order to find the optimal deposition parameters for the composite.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59499/EP235734093