Evaluation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Additively- Manufactured Aluminium Alloy Automotive Component

The present work focusses on development of AlSi10Mg alloy component from the pre-alloyed powder by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), one of the popular additive manufacturing technologies. The effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties has also been studied. In accordance with T6 heat treatment process, the LPBF specimens were solution treated at 535°C for 2 h, then water quenched and subsequently, artificially aged at 160°C for 10 h. The role of printing direction on microstructure and mechanical properties has also been investigated. The printing parameters such as laser power, scan speed and hatch space were optimized for defect free automotive component. The as-printed and heat treated components were subsequently evaluated to assess their performance.