Microstructure evolution during T6 heat treatment in an additive manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy using powder bed fusion-electron beam

Abstract

The AlSi10Mg alloy was manufactured via the powder bed fusion-electron beam (PBF-EB) melting technology. The present study mainly focused on the influence of post heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical proper -ties. The peak hardness was obtained under optimal aging conditions, such as 240°C for 0.1 ks, 200°C for 1.0 ks, and 160°C for 43.2 ks, respectively. The nanoscale and fine Si phase reprecipitated during aging process, giving rise to the strengthening of as-built AlSi10Mg alloy. The tensile strength increased to>300 MPa while the tensile elon-gation remained approximately 15%. The present study provides a potential method to regulate the microstructure of light-weight alloy in future.