Excimer laser processing of Ti–6Al–4V

The effect of the excimer laser on the surface of Ti–6Al–4V is reported. Particular concentration is given to surface modification for potential materials processing applications. Results showed that: (i) there is an optimum energy for smoothing titanium; (ii) at this energy density increasing the number of pulses has some, but not a significant, effect on the smoothing process; and (iii) relatively smooth surfaces could be achieved at higher energy densities if the sample was processed in a helium atmosphere. Other typical surface modfications and features are also reported, including the effect of different gases on the process.