3D multi-material laser powder bed fusion: Ti6Al4V-CuNi2SiCr parts for aerospace applications

A first approach to produce multi-functional Ti6Al4V-CuNi2SiCr parts using a homemade 3D multi-material laser powder bed fusion system (3D MMLPBF) was exploited in this work. Only using a layer-by-layer approach, it is possible to manufacture an 3D multi-material Ti6Al4V-CuNi2SiCr component that combines high mechanical strength (Ti6Al4V) and high thermal conductivity (CuNi2SiCr), all in a single component, fabricated at once. This paper explored a new 3D Ti6AL4V-CuNi2SiCr multi-material concept in terms of material's interaction and the morphological and mechanical behavior of each material. The interface region of the 3D MMLPBFed specimens a good mechanical interlocking with a strong metallurgical bonding with occasional defects such as pores or cracks along the produced part. The Vickers' microhardness of Ti6Al4V and CuNi2SiCr zones was about 356 HV and 128 HV, respectively.