Production Strategy for Manufacturing Large-Scale AlSi10Mg Components by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

The long production time required for large-scale parts fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) tends to induce cracks, distortions, and overheating problems. In this work, to address these challenges, we explored and established a suitable strategy for producing large AlSi10Mg components. The platform temperatures to prevent cracks and distortions were firstly determined. Then, the in situ aging behavior was investigated for samples under various platform temperatures and holding times. Our results revealed that platform temperatures of 150 degrees C and 200 degrees C can effectively prevent cracks and minimize distortions. Besides, using 150 degrees C, samples can reach peak hardness with a holding time less than 13 h. In comparison, those samples produced with a holding time longer than 13 h at 150 degrees C and 200 degrees C show obvious over-aging responses and thus lower hardness. However, such a hardness impoverishment can be recovered by using a T6 post-process heat-treatment.

Automated summary

The study identified that platform temperatures of 150 degrees C and 200 degrees C can effectively prevent cracks and minimize distortions, and samples produced at 150 degrees C can reach peak hardness with a holding time less than 13 hours.