LAUSR

Abstract Effects of build orientation (0°, 45°, 90°) and post heat treatments (hot isostatic pressing 820 °C, 950 °C or annealing 1020 °C) on the fatigue crack growth rates (FCGRs) of Ti-6Al-4V fabricated by laser powder bed fusion were examined. Coarser α′/α lath thicknesses resulted in slower FCGRs and higher fatigue thresholds while texture and build orientation had little influence. Fatigue thresholds were defined by the ability to transfer slip from one α′/α lath to another, with a minor role of roughness induced crack closure. The transition away from microstructure sensitive FCG occurred where the packet/colony size equaled the cyclic plastic zone size.