Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al10SiMg fabricated by pulsed laser powder bed fusion

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. A, Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing Vol. 689; pp. 53 - 62
• Main Authors: Chou, R., Ghosh, A., Chou, S.C., Paliwal, M., Brochu, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 24.03.2017; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Additive; Aging (artificial); Al10SiMg; Compressive strength; Computed tomography; Ductility; Electron backscatter diffraction; Heat treatment; Manufacturing; Mechanical properties; Microhardness; Microstructure; Optical microscopy; Precipitation hardening; Pulsed laser powder bed fusion; X-ray diffraction; Pulsed laser powder bed fusion; Mechanical properties; Additive; Manufacturing; Al10SiMg; Microstructure
• ISSN: 0921-5093; 1873-4936
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2017.02.023

A series of high-density Al10SiMg specimens were fabricated using a custom built pulsed laser powder bed fusion unit operating with a pulsed-laser source. The fabricated components were analyzed using optical microscopy, computerized tomography (CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A significantly refined cellular microstructure was observed, where Al cell diameter refinement upto ~210nm was obtained throughout the component. Age hardening T6 treatment was also performed to investigate the heat treatment response of this fine microstructure. The mechanical properties in the as-built condition were assessed by microhardness testing (136HV) and compressive tests (true compressive yield strength of 380MPa and true ultimate compressive strength of 485MPa). On the other hand, the mechanical responses of T6 specimens displayed strength reduction while demonstrating enhanced ductility.