Additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys is considered a promising layer-wise manufacturing method which can produce lightweight critical automotive/aerospace/military components with enhanced physical and mechanical properties. This paper aims at assessing the correlation between microstructure and small-scale characteristics of an additive manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy in the as-printed and heat treated conditions. Depth-sensing nanoindentation testing, as a non-destructive, robust, and convenient testing approach, along with microstructural assessments, using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, were employed to compare the nano-hardness of the printed (selective laser melting method) and the heat treated (age-hardening) materials. Considering the distance from the build plate, a gradation in the cooling rate, and therefore the microstructure, is expected which directly affect the nano-hardness gradient along the deposition direction. Results show a transition in the microstructure from cellular grains, with coral-like silicon fiber colonies, to fragmented/spheroidized eutectic silicon particles upon the heat treatment. Unlike conventionally manufactured AlSi10Mg alloys, upon aging heat treatment in the additive manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy, the nano-hardness is decreased which is mainly contributed to stress relief, elimination of solid solution strengthening, and silicon spheroidization phenomena. These are considered in detail in the current paper.
19 May 2019 in The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology