The property of titanium alloys can be promoted via heat processing by changing their micro structure. Nevertheless, Ti-6Al-4V lattice frameworks require a personalized method on account of their big specific surface area and the stress gathering at the lattice joint points. In this research work, we have carried out a comparison between air and vacuum heat processing for Ti-6Al-4V lattices which are made through selective laser melting (SLM). The influences of these handling methods on the micro structure and compression performance were researched. When we carry out the air heat treatment operation, there was one oxide layer that got formed. This layer has the significant effect of decreasing the compressive strength of the Ti-6Al-4V lattices. In addition, the hardened α-Ti which is under the oxide layer caused a change from ductile fracture to brittle fracture and reduced the energy-absorption capacity. From another aspect, the vacuum heat treating has mitigated the damage which is related to oxidation. It also gave help to the formation of a lamellar inner micro structure, which thus contributed to stable deformation and a promoted energy-absorption capability. According to these results, it can be seen that vacuum heat handling is a more suitable approach for improving the micro structure and compression property of SLM-manufactured Ti-6Al-4V lattice frameworks.
