Effect of nAl2O3 on the part density and microstructure during the laser-based powder bed fusion of AlSi10Mg composite. Issue 4 (8th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Du, Zhenglin; Chen, Hui-Chi; Tan, Ming Jen; Bi, Guijun; Chua, Chee Kai
• Is Part Of: Rapid prototyping journal. Volume 26:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 727
• Page End: 735
• Publication Date: 2020-02-08
• Subjects: Additive manufacturing -- AlSi10Mg -- Aluminium composites -- Laser-based powder bed fusion -- Nano-composites; Engineering design -- Periodicals; 620.004205
• DOI: 10.1108/RPJ-05-2019-0136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-2546

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: In recent years, additive manufacturing techniques have attracted much research attention because of their ability to fabricate customised parts with complex geometry. The range of composites suitable for laser-based powder bed fusion technique is limited, and has not been investigated yet. This paper aims to study the fabrication of AlSi10 Mg reinforced with n Al2 O3 using the laser-based powder bed fusion technique. Design/methodology/approach: An experimental approach was used to investigate the densification of AlSi10 Mg– n Al2 O3 composites using laser-based powder bed fusion technique. Optimisation of the porosity was performed, and microstructure evolution was evaluated. Findings: In this study, laser volumetric energy density (approximately 109 J/mm 3 ) was found to be required for the fabrication of AlSi10 Mg– n Al2 O3 composites with a relative volumetric density approximating 99%. The use of laser volumetric energy density resulted in larger grains. Columnar grain structure was observed via the use of electron backscatter diffraction mapping. Originality/value: This paper examines the processing of new aluminium composite material suitable for the fabrication via the laser-based powder bed fusion technique.