Laser surface modification of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy: Investigation of the effects of process parameters on surface properties

This study aims to investigate the effect of laser surface modification process parameters to improve the surface properties of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy. A software integrated with the machine was used to control the beam movement and parameters in the marking machine. The surface of the test samples mounted on a fixed plate was processed by means of the high heat energy generated by the interaction between the laser beam and the metal. The laser surface processing parameters investigated in this thesis are scanning direction, scanning speed, frequency, fill spacing and pulse width. The effects of the parameters were investigated by performing surface roughness measurements and wettability tests on the treated surface according to the experimental setups determined by the laser processing parameters. It has been determined that process parameters have significant effects on both surface roughness and wettability behavior of the treated surface. Specifically, it was revealed that the fill spacing is the primary factor influencing surface wettability.