Effect of thermal post-processing on microstructure and tensile behavior of additively manufactured aluminum alloys (AlSi10Mg and Scalmalloy) via L-PBF: A comparative study

Additively manufactured aluminum (Al) alloys have recently received growing interest from different industrial sectors. This study compares the microstructure and tensile properties of two laser powder bed fused Al alloys, namely AlSi10Mg and Scalmalloy, in different heat-treated (HT) conditions i.e., stress-relief, T6, and hot isostatic pressing (HIP), as well as the non-heat- treated condition. The microstructures were examined using scanning electron microscope, and the mechanical properties were evaluated using uniaxial tensile testing. For AlSi10Mg, Si- networks were observed to break down, and Si- and Fe-rich particles precipitates form during HIP followed by T6. For Scalmalloy, the density of nanometer-sized intergranular Al3(ScxZr1-x) precipitates increased after only HIP. Furthermore, it was observed that the addition of HIP improved the tensile strengths of both alloys as compared to their AM as well as wrought counterparts in similar HT conditions.Mechanical Engineerin