Laser metal deposition of titanium alloy: A review

Abstract

Titanium alloys have found great applications in various fields of engineering, namely, but not limited to, the aerospace, engineering, and biomedical industries. The alloys have also found greater applications in the manufacturing industries through Additive Manufacturing technologies and are the attractive choice due to their exceptional resistance to corrosion and high-specific strength among other properties. However, this paper is a collection of the applicable analyses of studies that have been conducted universally in the hopes to overcome the shortfalls of the titanium metals through additive manufacturing. The modern techniques of the manufacturing technology of titanium alloys, the property enhancements that can be achieved through laser metal deposition, and other additive manufacturing technologies of titanium alloys were critically reviewed. The current trends, arguments, and research essentials were highlighted, and it was concluded that the correct combination of process parameters of laser metal deposition undoubtedly can have a positive effect on the material properties of the titanium parts or components.