Production and characterisation of a unique Ti-Ag alloy by selective laser melting (SLE)

In this study, the surfaces of titanium powders were coated with electroless plating and Ti-Ag alloys containing different proportions of silver were produced using the Selective Laser Melting (SLE) method. The structural, mechanical, wear and corrosion properties of these samples were analysed and interpreted. The SLE method is a new manufacturing technology that allows the production of alloys with complex geometry. The main purpose of this method is to bond the powdered material with a laser and form layers. Within the scope of the thesis, silver coated titanium powders were produced using the SLM method. The silver ratios in the produced Ti-Ag alloy were reduced to the titanium surface in accordance with the electroless coating parameters and phase formation was carried out as a result of laser melting in the SLM method. It was observed that the samples exhibited different properties according to the silver ratios; microstructure investigations, microhardness measurements and corrosion tests were carried out. The results of the research showed that the mechanical properties of the samples produced with an increase in the silver content were better and corrosion resistance increased. These results show that the titanium-silver alloy can be used in applications such as biomedical implants and can also be produced using selective laser melting method.