International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

Titanium matrix composites reinforced with titanium borides (TiB) represent a promising class of advanced structural materials due to their high specific strength, hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability. The combination of titanium alloys with ceramic TiB reinforcing phases enables the development of lightweight materials with improved mechanical and эксплуатаційними characteristics for aerospace, biomedical, and engineering applications.
This study investigates the fabrication of Ti/TiB titanium matrix composites using X-Beam 3D printing technology. The process is based on electron-beam additive manufacturing under vacuum conditions, which ensures stable melting conditions, reduced oxidation, and controlled heat input during layer-by-layer deposition. Special attention was focused on the in situ formation of TiB reinforcing phases and their influence on the microstructure evolution of the composite material.
Microstructural analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy and metallographic techniques. The obtained results demonstrated the formation of dense composite structures with relatively low porosity and homogeneous distribution of reinforcing phases within the titanium matrix. TiB particles and whisker-like precipitates were observed to form during solidification, contributing to microstructure refinement and strengthening effects.
The fabricated Ti/TiB composites exhibited improved structural uniformity and enhanced hardness compared with unreinforced titanium materials. The morphology and distribution of TiB phases were found to depend on the thermal conditions and processing parameters of X-Beam printing. The results confirm the potential of X-Beam additive manufacturing for producing advanced titanium matrix composites with tailored microstructure and improved performance characteristics.

xBeam 3D metal printing is an advanced wire-feed electron-beam DED technology based on a unique coaxial “hollow conical electron beam–wire” configuration. This review summarizes the relationships between process design, microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and engineering applications.
The technology utilizes a low-voltage (<20 kV) gas-discharge electron gun operating in medium vacuum (10⁻¹–10⁻² mbar), improving process efficiency, reducing alloying-element losses, and extending cathode lifetime. Studies show that xBeam processing promotes a columnar-to-equiaxed transition of primary β grains in Ti–6Al–4V, producing weakly textured equiaxed structures without grain refiners. After heat treatment, tensile strengths of 950–1020 MPa and elongations of 12–15% are achieved. Recent developments include titanium-based cored wires for in-situ fabrication of Ti–6Al–4V + 40%TiC composites and functionally graded materials. Ballistic studies demonstrate enhanced energy dissipation in layered titanium structures, while successful copper–stainless steel bimetallic fabrication confirms the ability to minimize brittle interfacial layers. Overall, xBeam has evolved from a manufacturing technique into a versatile platform for microstructure engineering, advanced material development, and multimaterial additive manufacturing..