Ti-13V-11Cr-3Al (TC11) Titanium LENS Laser Melting Deposition (LMD) 3D Printing
Introduction to TC11 Titanium LMD Additive Manufacturing
Ti-13V-11Cr-3Al (TC11) is a near-β titanium alloy known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent hardenability, and superior thermal stability. LENS (Laser Engineered Net Shaping), a Laser Melting Deposition (LMD) process, enables the production and repair of large-scale TC11 components with near-net shape efficiency.
At Neway Aerotech, our titanium 3D printing services support advanced LMD manufacturing for TC11 aerospace, energy, and tooling applications requiring structural durability and high-temperature resistance.
Laser Melting Deposition for TC11 Titanium Alloy
LMD Process Capabilities
Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
Layer Thickness | 300–800 µm | Suitable for high deposition rate, large geometry |
Deposition Rate | 10–30 cm³/h | Efficient for structural builds and part repair |
Laser Power Range | 500–2000 W | Adjustable based on wall thickness and feature size |
Atmosphere | Inert Argon or Nitrogen | Prevents oxidation during melt pool formation |
Powder Particle Size | 45–105 µm | Ideal flowability for coaxial powder feed systems |
TC11 Material Performance and Characteristics
Property | Value | Application Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Ultimate Tensile Strength | 1150–1250 MPa | Load-bearing aerospace and engine brackets |
Yield Strength | ~1050 MPa | High structural rigidity under static loads |
Elongation | 10–15% | Maintains ductility for critical aerospace fittings |
Operating Temperature | Up to 500°C | Used in airframes and turbine-associated parts |
Hardenability | Excellent via β-phase structure | Reliable in thick-section builds |
Why TC11 is Ideal for LMD Applications
TC11 exhibits outstanding weldability and thermal processing response, making it compatible with LENS/LMD systems for both part manufacturing and component repair.
Compared to α+β alloys like Ti-6Al-4V, TC11 offers superior strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures.
The alloy’s stability in LMD avoids common thermal cracking seen in less ductile materials.
Case Study: LMD Repair of TC11 Aerospace Engine Pylon Component
Project Background
An aerospace maintenance customer required structural repair of a forged TC11 engine pylon bracket suffering from fretting fatigue and surface erosion near mounting bosses. The geometry had high curvature and fatigue-sensitive zones that demanded low-distortion processing.
Manufacturing Workflow
Powder Feedstock: TC11 titanium powder, gas-atomized, D50 = 70 μm, flow rate 10 g/min.
System: 1.2 kW LENS system with coaxial powder feed and 4-axis table.
Repair Strategy: Damaged zone scanned, model reconstructed; toolpath generated to rebuild 8 mm thickness.
Deposition: 4 layers at 500 μm each, interpass temperature maintained at 200–250°C.
Heat Treatment: Solution treated at 900°C + aged at 560°C for 6 hours for strength recovery.
Post-processing & Inspection
Machining: Surface milled to ±0.02 mm flatness and ±0.05 mm bore alignment.
X-ray NDT: No fusion or porosity defects in deposited material.
Ultrasonic Testing: Verified integrity of interface and base metal.
CMM: All rebuilt dimensions confirmed within ±0.03 mm accuracy.
Results and Verification
The repaired TC11 bracket passed vibration fatigue testing under full engine load simulation for 1 million cycles. Mechanical testing showed ultimate strength of 1220 MPa and hardness uniformity across the deposition zone. The LMD solution restored serviceability and extended part life by over 300%.
FAQs
How does TC11 compare to Ti-6Al-4V in LMD applications?
What are the powder requirements for LMD printing of titanium alloys?
Can TC11 LMD be used for near-net shape manufacturing of full components?
What post-processing is necessary after TC11 laser deposition?
How is distortion controlled during LMD repair on titanium assemblies?
