A review of laser polishing on Ti6Al4V based on energy density

Abstract

Laser polishing technology, an efficient non-contact surface treatment method, shows great potential in aerospace, biomedical, and high-precision manufacturing. Precise control of energy density remains a key challenge in the laser polishing of Ti6Al4V materials, and a systematic review on this topic is currently lacking. This paper aims to address this gap by reviewing research on the polishing mechanism based on energy density, discussing its interaction with the material properties of Ti6Al4V, and summarizing the main parameters affecting energy density and polishing quality. Then the polishing mechanism based on laser energy density and the selection and optimization of process parameters based on energy density were discussed. Although some studies over the past two decades have addressed the surface integrity, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties of laser-polished Ti6Al4V, a comprehensive and systematic discussion is still missing. This paper provides the first in-depth analysis and summary of these aspects, examining how laser polishing improves Ti6Al4V material properties. The significant enhancement in surface quality and properties, achieved through precise control of process parameters, is discussed. Notably, laser polishing markedly reduces surface roughness and peak-valley distances, while the resulting microstructural changes enhance mechanical properties such as yield strength and microhardness, and improve biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Additionally, this paper explores emerging hybrid laser polishing technologies and their typical industrial applications. Finally, it outlines the challenges and future trends for the next 5–10 years. Current results indicate that laser polishing, as an emerging surface quality improvement technology, is increasingly applied to various metals, including Ti6Al4V. This review aims to provide valuable insights for researchers and engineers working in the fields of Ti6Al4V polishing and advanced laser manufacturing.