Optimizing Titanium-Boron Carbide Composites for Aerospace Manufacturing via Plasma Metal Deposition

Abstract:

Additive Manufacturing technologies revolutionize the production of 3D components by selectively depositing material layers, facilitating intricate geometries and cavities with minimal material waste. Among these techniques, Plasma Metal Deposition (PMD) stands out as a powder-based method offering promising applications, particularly in the aerospace sector.In this study, five specimens manufactured via PMD have been investigated, employing a base material of Grade 2 titanium and a welding material comprising a powder blend of grade 1 titanium and 30% B₄C particles. The incorporation of boron carbide aims to further augment the already commendable properties of titanium, catering to the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry.Attention is directed towards key manufacturing parameters such as the transferred arc and torch travel speed, while maintaining fixed parameters including pilot arc, current, and torch-substrate height. The primary objective of this research is to comprehensively explore the PMD technique, scrutinizing potential thermodynamic reactions during the welding process between titanium and boron carbide. Concurrently, thorough characterization of the specimens will be conducted to elucidate their properties.This project seeks to optimize the PMD manufacturing process and enhance the performance characteristics of the produced parts, thereby addressing critical needs in the aerospace sector. By unravelling the intricacies of thermodynamic interactions and material properties, we aim to pave the way for advancements in additive manufacturing methodologies and the production of high-performance titanium components for aerospace applications

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1146)
• Pages: 49-56
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-4T23q8
• Online since: March 2025
• Authors: Cristina M. Arévalo, Eva Maria Perez-Soriano*, Enrique Ariza, Michael Kitzmantel, Isabel Montealegre-Meléndez
• Keywords: Characterization, Plasma Metal Deposition, Titanium

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