ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ALSI10MG

Abstract

When it comes to creating intricate and one-of- a-kind components using Additive Manufacturing (AM), Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is the better method than layer-by-layer melting. The goal of this effort is to generate highly dense AlSi10Mg alloy components by optimizing the SLM method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy were used to analyze the specimens produced by AM for macro and micro structural issues, respectively. Additionally, an analysis was conducted to determine how layer thickness affected the mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg alloy components, including microhardness and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). A microstructure investigation revealed distinct microstructure shapes and behaviors at the boundary of the deposited layer's melt pool and further into the layer. As layer thickness reduced, tensile strength increased from 60 m to 30 m, most likely as a result of enhanced surface shape, ultra-fine cellular dendritic microstructure, and reduced porosity. In comparison to samples with a layer thickness of 60 m, samples with a layer thickness of 30 m showed a 24% increase in UTS when evaluated horizontally.