Effect of Processing Parameters and Heat Treatment on Selective Laser Melted Al-Cu-Mg-Ag Alloy

Abstract

Selective Laser Melting is a promising manufacturing method for complex geometric fabrication. However, the 2xxx series aluminum alloy is facing a poor SLM-processibility problem. In this paper, the impact of the processing parameters of Selective Laser Melting on the formability of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloys was discussed. The evolution of precipitation under different aging treatments was explored. During the formation process, samples with a laser power of 360 W and a scanning velocity of 1150 mm/s showed a smaller defect fraction. Direct aging (DA) and solid solution treatment aging (STA) treatments were carried out on the alloy respectively. In the DA treatment, the element content in the matrix was consumed as the formation of the primary phase, and the precipitate-strengthening effect was weakened. Solid solution treatment enables a higher hardness of heat-treated samples, as well as an accelerated aging response.