Influence of erbium addition on the defects of selective laser-melted 7075 aluminium alloy

Selective laser-melted (SLMed) 7075 aluminium alloy is prone to cracking. Erbium (Er) could modify the aluminium alloys to prevent cracking in traditional manufacturing processes. In the present study, Er-modified 7075 aluminium alloy powders are prepared to investigate the influence of Er element on crack reduction in SLM. The evolution of Er is characterised by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The results show that the crack density is reduced with Er addition, but the porosity increases, a new discovery. Based on the SEM and TEM results, Er addition exists in the form of unmelted particles and Al3Er of sub-micrometer scale. The Er particles in the molten pool deteriorate the fluidity and result in higher porosity. The coherency between aluminium matrix and Al3Er favours the grain refinement, therefore the crack reduction.

Automated summary

The study on Er-modified 7075 aluminum alloy showed that the addition of Er can reduce crack density but increase porosity, with Er existing in the form of unmelted particles and sub-micrometer scale Al3Er. The deterioration of fluidity in the molten pool due to Er particles leads to higher porosity, while the coherency between aluminum matrix and Al3Er favors grain refinement and crack reduction.