This study presents a cost-effective approach to fabricating near β-Ti alloys via in-situ alloying during laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). A blend of non-spherical pure Ti, 3 wt.% Fe, and 0.1 wt.% SiO2 nanoparticles was used to induce β-phase stabilization and improve flowability. Twenty-five process conditions were evaluated across a volumetric energy density range of 31.75-214.30 J/mm3, achieving a maximum relative density of 99.21% at 89.29 J/mm3. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the β-Ti phase was partially retained at room temperature, accompanied by lattice contraction in the α’-Ti structure, indicating successful Fe incorporation. Elemental mapping confirmed that the Fe distribution was homogeneous, without significant segregation. Compared to pure Ti, the Ti-3Fe sample exhibited a 49.2% increase in Vickers hardness and notable improvements in yield and ultimate tensile strengths. These results demonstrate the feasibility of in-situ alloying with low-cost elemental powders to produce high-performance near β-Ti alloys using L-PBF.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
The Optimization of L-PBF Process for Economical & High Performance Using SiO2 Nanoparticle-Coated Non-Spherical Ti Powder Taehu Kang, Ukju Gim, Sehun Kim, Jongik Lee, Sanghee Jeong, Jimin Han, Bin Lee Journal of Powder Materials.2026; 33(1): 22. CrossRef
In-situ Alloying of Ti-40Nb via L-PBF Using Non-spherical Powders: Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and In vitro Cytotoxicity Sehun Kim, Byeongseon An, Jaesung Kwon, Aruem Han, Sekwon Oh, Yewon Han, Taehu Kang, Jongik Lee, Sanghee Jeong, Jimin Han, Yujin Rhee, Bin Lee Journal of Alloys and Compounds.2026; : 189935. CrossRef