Effects of electropulsing on the microstructure and microhardness of a selective laser melted Ti6Al4V alloy

•Rapid softening and hardening phenomenon are found in the SLM Ti6Al4V alloy after EPT.•The changes of microhardness were attributed to the phase transformation and microstructure evolution.•EPT induced rapid α → β phase transformation by decreasing transformation barrier in the SLM Ti6Al4V alloy.•The improvement of metallurgical bonding of the α lamella after EPT may enhance the mechanical properties.