Titanium (TiAl6V4) Material Guide
Introduction to TiAl6V4:
Titanium TiAl6V4, also called Grade 5 or Ti-6Al-4V, is a titanium alloy celebrated for its strength, lightweight characteristics, and resistance to corrosion. It is created through a 3D printing process where titanium powder is precisely fused using a laser. The final parts feature a matte gray or satin-like finish with a slightly rough texture.
Design Guidelines:
Designing for 3D printing with titanium requires attention to detail to ensure optimal results and structural integrity. Here are some key guidelines:
Minimum Wall Thickness:
- Aim for a minimum wall thickness of 1 mm for robust structural integrity.
- For high-stress applications, consider increasing this to 2-3 mm.
Minimum Detail Size:
- Ensure that the smallest feature size is at least 0.25 mm to maintain clarity.
- Complex textures or fine engravings should also respect this minimum limit.
Overhangs and Supports:
- Limit overhang angles to 35° or more to reduce the need for support structures.
- If supports are required, ensure that the design allows for easy removal without damaging the part.
Hollow Structures:
- Incorporate escape holes for powder removal if your design includes hollow or enclosed spaces.
- Holes should be at least 3-5 mm in diameter.
Clearance and Interlocking Parts:
- Leave a gap of at least 0.5 mm between interlocking parts to ensure smooth movement and prevent fusing.
- Larger assemblies may require a greater clearance based on part size and complexity.
Surface Quality and Finish:
- Be aware that unpolished titanium parts have a matte gray finish.
- If a smoother finish is desired, post-processing like polishing or bead blasting can help.
Design Complexity:
- Take advantage of 3D printing’s freedom to create complex shapes, such as lattice structures or organic forms.
- Consider topology optimization to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
Build Size Limits:
- Design within the build volume of the 3D printer, which typically ranges up to 250 x 250 x 250 mm.
- Larger designs may need to be printed in multiple parts and assembled afterward.
Heat Treatment and Stress Relief:
- Post-print heat treatment may be necessary to relieve stress and enhance material properties.
- Consider this during the design phase, especially for high-performance applications.
- Minimum Wall Thickness: 1 mm
- Minimum Detail Size: 0.25 mm
- Accuracy: ±0.2% (at least ±200 µm)
- Maximum Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
Pricing Information: Pricing is based on several factors:
- Material Volume: The total material required for the model in mm³.
- Bounding Box Volume: The space the model occupies in the printer.
- Surface Area: Larger surface areas may increase costs.
- Finish: Additional finishing steps will affect the price.
A minimum price applies per ordered piece, but the cost per unit decreases with larger orders.
Applications:
Aerospace:
Medical:
Automotive:
Marine Engineering:
Chemical industry:
Consumer goods
Technology Overview:
- Metal 3D Printing: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Select Laser Melting (SLM) use a high-powered laser to fuse layers of titanium powder into solid shapes. Supports are added automatically and manually removed after printing.
Key Considerations:
• Hypoallergenic Properties
Titanium is suitable for jewelry, especially for people with metal allergies or sensitive skin.
• Design Flexibility:
The technology allows for the production of intricate designs that traditional methods cannot replicate.
• Surface Quality:
• Ideal Shapes:
- Mesh-like designs typically yield the best results.
More Resources:
Titanium – Source: Wikipedia
Titanium Alloy – Source: Wikipedia
Titanium 3D printing – Source: JHMIM
Fabrication of Titanium – Source: Total Materia
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