Development and characterization of a metastable Al-Mn-Ce alloy produced by laser powder bed fusion

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Katharina Gabrysiak - , Chair of Materials Technology, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Tobias Gustmann - , Institute of Materials Science, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Jens Freudenberger - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Kai Neufeld - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Lars Giebeler - , Chair of Materials Synthesis and Analysis, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Christoph Leyens - , Chair of Materials Technology, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Uta Kühn - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)

Abstract

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) can help to overcome two challenges occurring by casting of metastable Al alloys: (1) the high amount of casting defects and (2) the limited part size while maintaining rapid solidification of the whole cross-section. In this study, an Al92Mn6Ce2 alloy was processed crack-free without baseplate heating by LPBF. The high cooling rate during fabrication has a significant impact on the microstructure, which was characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD. The processing through LPBF causes a high amount and a strong refinement of the intermetallic Al20Mn2Ce precipitates. This leads, compared to suction-cast specimens, to a higher hardness (180 HV 5) and a higher tolerable compressive stress (>1200 MPa) associated with a pronounced plasticity without failure up to a strain of 40%. The extraordinary mechanical properties of additively manufactured Al92Mn6Ce2 can extend the possibilities of producing novel LPBF lightweight structures for potential applications under harsh conditions.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number100017
JournalAdditive Manufacturing Letters
Volume1
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • AlMnCe, Laser powder bed fusion, Mechanical characterization, Metastable aluminum alloys, Rapid solidification