PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Caldová, Kateřina
AU  - Školáková, Andrea
AU  - Pinc, Jan
AU  - Vojtěch, Dalibor
TI  - Characterization of microstructure and defects in the Ti-6Al-4V alloy produced by 3D printing SLM technology
DP  - 2025 Dec 23
TA  - Manufacturing Technology Journal
PG  - 735--741
VI  - 25
IP  - 6
AID - 10.21062/mft.2025.083
IS  - 12132489
AB  - The Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used as a material for medical implants. In the future, it may be employed for 3D printing using the selective laser melting method. The advantages of 3D printing are for example production of complex shapes or ability to create customized implants. One of the disadvantages of this method is the deterioration of mechanical properties, particularly the ductility of the alloy, caused by high residual stress resulting from rapid cooling during printing. This article aims to characterize the microstructure and defects of the printed alloy and the impact of hot isostatic pressing. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-computed tomography were utilized for the study. It was found that the heat treatment has a significant effect on the pore size and microstructural transformation. These findings could lead to the optimization of the manufacturing process and improve the quality of implants made from this alloy.