Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AlSi10Mg Alloy Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion Under Nitrogen and Argon Atmosphere

In order to study the effect of gas atmosphere on forming performance of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), AlSi10Mg alloy was prepared by direct forming and in situ laser remelting under the shielding gas of argon and nitrogen in this study, and its microstructure and properties were characterized and tested, respectively. The results show that the forming performance of AlSi10Mg under nitrogen atmosphere is better than that of argon. Moreover, in situ laser remelting method can effectively enhance the relative density and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg, in which the densification is increased to 99.5%. In terms of mechanical properties, after in situ remelting, ultimate tensile strength under argon protection increased from 444.85 +/- 8.73 to 489.45 +/- 3.20 MPa, and that under nitrogen protection increased from 459.21 +/- 13.77 to 500.14 +/- 5.15 MPa. In addition, the elongation is nearly doubled and the micro-Vickers hardness is increased by 20%. The research results provide a new regulation control method for the customization of AlSi10Mg properties fabricated by LPBF.

Automated summary

The forming performance of AlSi10Mg under nitrogen atmosphere is better than that under argon, and in situ laser remelting can effectively enhance its densification and mechanical properties. The research results offer a new approach for regulating the properties of AlSi10Mg fabricated by LPBF according to specific requirements.