Coupling machining and heat treatment to enhance the wear behaviour of an Additive Manufactured Ti6Al4V titanium alloy

The effect of coupling machining with a subsequent heat treatment on the wear behaviour of the Ti6Al4V alloy produced by Electron Beam Melting (EBM) was investigated. Reciprocating sliding wear tests in saline solution and temperature-controlled environment were performed. Results showed that the heat-treated cylinders presented a lower coefficient of friction, less wear rate and higher degree of adhesive wear compared to the not heat-treated ones. It was then demonstrated that coupling machining and heat treatment had a synergistic effect that can be used as an efficient strategy in order to improve the EBM Ti6Al4V wear resistance. •The effect of coupling machining and heat treatment on Ti6Al4V wear behaviour was studied.•Wear performances of EBM Ti6Al4V under in-vitro condition was evaluated.•Heat-treated samples presented a hardened layer of martensite on the surface.•Lower wear volume characterized the heat-treated Ti6Al4V samples.•Wear protective adhered patches were found on the heat-treated samples.