Assessment of Plasma Metal Deposition (PMD) for the manufacturing of Titanium based Metal Matrix Composites

Plasma Metal Deposition is a manufacturing technology which allows the fabrication of large structures. Especially for space relevant components with sizes larger than 0,5 meter it offers a potential to fabricate parts made from light weight metals with enhanced stiffness. The PMD process uses a plasma welding torch where powder or wire is used as a feedstock. The layer-by-layer processing allows to realize near-net-shape structures. Especially by using powder as a feedstock, there is a large flexibility in creating various alloys as well as metal matrix composites with modified properties. The aim of this study was to improve the specific modulus (ratio of Young´s modulus/density) by introducing ceramic particles into a titanium matrix. Besides addressing the main challenges in the manufacturing of composites by blown powder methods, an overview on various particles is provided. Based on microstructural analysis and mechanical testing, the influence of the different ceramic fillers is discussed.