Overview

The recent evolution of additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing technologies such as electron beam manufacturing (EBM), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Selective Laser Melting (SLM), and others which employ powder bed fusion has led ASTM to create the F3001 Standard for the Titanium – 6% Aluminum – 4% Vanadium with extra low interstitials grade (also known as Ti6Al4V ELI, Ti-6Al-4V ELI, or Ti-64 ELI), and the F2924 Standard for the Titanium – 6% Aluminum – 4% Vanadium grade (also known as Ti6Al4V, Ti-6Al-4V, or Ti-64). The standard lists chemical composition requirements, mechanical property requirements and microstructural requirements for various classes of components which relate to heat treatment and post processing condition. Lucideon offers all levels of testing to verify if the components fabricated by any of these additive layer manufacturing (ALM) processes meet the requirements of this standard.

Expertise and Test Methodology

Lucideon offers complete, accurate and detailed chemical analysis of titanium components including the critical interstitial elements determined by accurate combustion or gas fusion methods. Mechanical tests are performed per the standard on test coupons which are provided by the client or sectioned from provided manufactured components. A complete microstructural evaluation is also performed, and the critical alpha case is measured to determine if the standard requirements are met. Going beyond the standard requirements, any other microstructural defects found can be identified and categorized upon request. Additionally, as Lucideon and its team of metallurgists have gained extensive experience with all the AM methods, consultations can also be provided on any metallurgical issues that might arise with tested components.

Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIPing) is required as a post processing treatment for all Class C components per this standard. However, HIPing is considered optional for all other classes covered by this standard. Metallurgical consultations can also be provided to determine the efficacy of applying HIPing to a particular component design and application.

Form of Results

Test reports are provided with all test results and a comparison to the requirements of the F3001 or F2924 standard. Assessments are then made to determine if the components meet standard requirements. Remedial actions and process modifications based on test results can also be provided through metallurgical consultations.

Related Tests

• Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials – E8
• Test Method for Determination of Carbon in Refractory and Reactive Metals and Their Alloys by Combustion Analysis – F1941
• Test Method for Determination of Hydrogen in Titanium and Titanium Alloys by Inert Gas Fusion Thermal Conductivity/Infrared Detection Method – F1447
• Test Method for Determination of Oxygen and Nitrogen in Titanium and Titanium Alloys by Inert Gas Fusion – F1409
• Test Method for Analysis of Titanium and Titanium Alloys by Direct Current Plasma and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry – E2371
• Preparation of Metallographic Specimens – ASTM E3
• Microetching Metals and Alloys  – ASTM E407.