Enhancing fatigue performance and microstructural integrity of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4 V alloy via laser peening without coating (LPwC)


SAKLAKOĞLU N., Gencalp Irizalp S., Apaydin C., Ayan K.

OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY, cilt.192, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 192
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2025.114063
  • Dergi Adı: OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Fatigue Performance, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), Laser Shock Peening without Coating (LPwC), Microstructural Integrity, Surface Condition, Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
  • Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study comprehensively investigates the effects of coating-free laser shock peening (LPwC) on surface characteristics, microstructural integrity, and fatigue performance of Ti-6Al-4 V alloy parts fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), with a comparative evaluation against sandblasted (SB) and polished (P) surface conditions. LPwC treatments were applied at two different laser power densities (4 GW/cm2 and 8 GW/cm2) without any protective coating, enabling direct interaction with the as-built surfaces. LPwC treatment effectively eliminated tensile residual stresses and introduced compressive residual stresses up to-850 MPa, extending approximately 0.5 mm beneath the surface. This stress profile, combined with a 12-20 % increase in surface hardness and the closure of surface-adjacent pores (up to 400-600 mu m depth), contributed to improved micro-structural integrity. Although LPwC slightly increased surface roughness, it promoted subsurface work-hardening and densification, which more significantly influenced fatigue resistance. As a result, fatigue crack initiation was delayed and propagation was suppressed, leading to fatigue strength improvements of 36 % and 75 % at power densities of 4 GW/cm2 and 8 GW/cm2, respectively. These outcomes highlight LPwC's ability to overcome common AM surface limitations, offering a robust and machine-independent solution for enhancing the mechanical reliability of Ti-6Al-4 V parts.