Fabrication of MicroChannels on Biomaterial Ti6Al4V ELI Using Micro Abrasive Jet Machining

Abstract

The paper primarily explores the suitability of using Abrasive jet machining (AJM) in fabricating microchannels on Ti6Al4V ELI alloy. The work evaluates the microchannels generated using process parameters such as air pressure, feed rate, and standoff distance and their effect on channel geometries like width, depth, surface roughness, and topography. Since Ti6Al4V ELI alloy is commonly used in bioimplants, the contact angle and surface free energy of generated microchannels is measured using the sessile drop technique and Chibowski approach, respectively to assess the benefits of creating such features using AJM, which can have probable applications in the medical field. The result indicates that AJM can produce hydrophilic microchannels with nanolevel surface roughness without the effects of heataffected zone (HAZ), resolidification, burrs, and particle embedment.