<p>This study examines the effects of build orientation and post-heat treatment (PHT) on the sliding wear behavior of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) manufactured Ti6Al4V, with an emphasis on biomedical implants. Microstructural characterization, along with microhardness, tensile, and damping tests, was conducted using techniques such as optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRD, Vickers microhardness, and impact hammer testing, respectively. The sliding wear tests were carried out utilizing a pin-on-disc tribometer. The optical and SEM microstructures indicated the presence of α’ martensite in the as-printed samples due to the high cooling rates associated with the LPBF process, while the PHT samples showed a transformation from α’ to an α + β microstructure. Additionally, the EBSD results highlighted significant variations in grain orientation and residual stresses, which play a crucial role in influencing wear behavior. Despite higher hardness in as-printed samples, PHT samples exhibited superior wear resistance, emphasizing the role of grain size in reducing wear. Additionally, PHT samples showed higher damping capacity, reducing the coefficient of friction (COF) by minimizing surface vibrations and stick–slip phenomena. This enhanced energy dissipation capability contributes to smoother wear surfaces and lower wear rates, making PHT a crucial factor in improving the functional performance of LPBF-manufactured Ti6Al4V components. PHT was found to enhance wear resistance at higher loads and sliding velocities by reducing residual stresses and promoting larger grains, which accommodate deformation better. Under higher loads (10 N, 15 N) and sliding speeds (0.8&#xa0;m/s, 1&#xa0;m/s), PHT samples showed significantly lower wear rates compared to as-printed samples. This improvement is linked to the optimal α + β phase combination, providing strength and toughness with a lower strain hardening rate, as well as the softer β-phase content, which absorbs more energy during deformation.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>