Effects of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AlSi10Mg Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting Process

Abstract

AlSi10Mg is the most widely additively manufactured and commercialized aluminum alloy and has been used in this study to analyze the effect of heat treatment on its microstructure and mechanical properties. Although research indicates AlSi10Mg parts produced by selective laser melting have characteristically very fine microstructures, there is a need for more intensive study to comprehend the effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of this alloy by analyzing its microstructure. In this study, AlSi10Mg specimens heat-treated at varying temperatures were analyzed by optical and electron microscopes. Micro-indentation hardness and tensile tests were performed to evaluate mechanical properties while considering the specimen build orientation. Observation shows that it is nearly impossible to completely dissolve the evolved second phase silicon-rich particles, which may have significant effects on the mechanical characteristics. Electron microscopy images show the evolution of iron-rich particles in the Al matrix, which may have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the alloy.

Effect of Hydrogen on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of 316L Steel and Inconel 718 Alloy Processed by Selective Laser Melting

“…Currently, materials produced by selective laser melting (SLM) technologies are regarded as a new class of structural materials, while SLM is considered as an advantageous technology for designing complex-shaped metal products for prospective applications in mechanical engineering, biomedicine, the power industry, etc. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Active research is underway into SLM materials and by now the effect of melting modes on the density, structure, and physical and mechanical properties of various SLM materials has been studied comprehensively [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…Active research is underway into SLM materials and by now the effect of melting modes on the density, structure, and physical and mechanical properties of various SLM materials has been studied comprehensively [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Their corrosion resistance [ 2 , 4 , 9 , 10 , 11 ], deformation behavior at elevated temperatures [ 5 , 8 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], resistance to fatigue failure [ 3 , 8 , 11 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], and other properties are being actively investigated.…”

Directional Solidification of Aluminum A360 under Moderate DC Magnetic Field and Electric Current

“…Our tested sample and 8 mm displacement sensor is shown on Figure 6a, while collection of samples are shown on Figure 6b. Standard A360 alloy ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is 317 MPa 22 . Stretching force versus displacement of all three 2.…”

Mechanical Properties of a Structural Component Processed in High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) with a Non-Heat-Treated Aluminum Alloy

“…However, most of these material alloys require a heat treatment process to obtain the desired characteristics and attributes suitable for specific applications [10], particularly mechanical performance. On the other hand, novel casting technologies for manufacturing larger components, such as high-pressure die casting (HPDC), have emerged with improved material properties and characteristics that allow aluminum alloys to meet strict industrial requirements and substantially reduce the weight of automotive parts or components [11]. Furthermore, high-pressure die casting is considered one of the most profitable and productive processes in casting components [9], due to its ability to enable the mass production of a wide variety of components [12].…”