Role of laser beam shape and energy density in modulating surface quality, porosity, microstructure, and mechanical properties of PBF-LB/M Ti-6Al-4V

Beam shaping has recently gained attention as a means to mitigate the thermal gradients and melt-pool instabilities associated with conventional Gaussian beams in laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M), which often lead to surface roughness, defects, and microstructural inconsistency. This study examines the effects of different beam shapes and volumetric energy densities (VEDs) on the surface quality, porosity, microstructure, and mechanical response of Ti-6Al-4V. Cubic specimens were fabricated on an Aconity MIDI+ system using Gaussian, core-ring, and ring beam profiles over a VED range of 78–341 J/mm³. The results show that beam shaping with optimized VED reduces porosity, refines microstructure, and enhances mechanical performance. The Gaussian beam performed well at low VEDs (≤130 J/mm³) but exhibited increased surface roughness and keyhole porosity at higher energy inputs (≥150 J/mm³), whereas the ring-based beams initially showed higher porosity at low VEDs but achieved ~99.97% relative density and smoother surfaces at higher VEDs. The ring beam promoted stable conduction-mode melting, continuous prior-β grain growth, refined α′ martensitic microstructures, and strong crystallographic texture. From a mechanical perspective, Vickers hardness values (370–400 HV) correlated with the observed microstructural features. In addition, the Gaussian beam exhibited higher indicative strength at low VEDs but deteriorated with increasing energy input, whereas the ring beam showed the opposite trend, reaching an ultimate tensile strength of 1192 MPa and ~21% ductility under optimal conditions. Beam behavior was further evaluated using areal energy density (AED) normalized to the melt-pool width, indicating that melt-pool stability and the resulting surface quality, porosity, and microstructural evolution are primarily influenced by the spatial distribution of laser energy rather than nominal energy metrics alone. These findings provide a physical basis for laser beam shaping as an effective approach to broaden the stable processing window and achieve defect-free, texture-controlled Ti-6Al-4V components. • Beam shaping stabilized melt pool and reduced spatter and keyhole defects. • Ring beams achieved conduction-mode melting and near-full densification. • Broader melt pools promoted stable β-grain growth and enhanced texture alignment. • Shaped beams promote homogeneous α′ laths and reduce local overheating • Shaped beams gave smoother surfaces, high strength, and stable ductility.