Microstructure and mechanical behavior of an additive manufactured (AM) WE43-Mg alloy

A detailed microstructural and corrosion analysis of an additively manufactured magnesium alloy produced by selective laser melting

“…The results of the SEM investigations ( Compositional analysis using microanalysis employing EDXS mapping at two magnifications on the microstructure of the SLM prepared specimens are presented in Figs. 6d and e. It was evident that the omnipresent flake-shaped features were oxides, consistent with the previous studies regarding SLM prepared WE43 [19,20]. The flake-shaped features appeared to have two different compositions.…”

“…It is, however, cautioned that the two intermetallic types could not be identified using EDXS. Note that the XRD spectra of the SLM prepared sample is comparable with those reported in the literature [19,20].…”

“…Although there exists a plethora of studies on the processing, microstructure and physical properties of Mg-based alloys (see e.g., [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]), to date, there remains a limited reporting, characterisation and rationalisation of processing-structure-properties relationships for AM produced Mg alloys [18][19][20]. In part this is because the production of Mg-based alloys by AM has been considered complicated, owing to a range of factors that could include: safety concerns associated with the reactive nature of Mg powder; the superheating and boiling / evaporation of Mg via interaction with laser based methods; a tendency for ignition in the presence of common environments (Mg can burn under air or N 2 ), and even supply chain issues for Mg powder of suitable size and composition (relevant to powder based AM).…”

“…Timeline displaying a historical background of AM-Mg research and development, indicating "landmarks" since the first scientific study on utilisation of AM to sinter Mg powder, from [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][33][34][35][36][37][38]. The images shown in the left-hand side were reproduced with permission from Elsevier.…”

“…In that study, they observed a higher yield strength and significantly higher ultimate tensile strength in the SLM prepared samples as compared with those of their cast counterparts. Most recently, Gangireddy et al [19] examined the effect of SLM parameters and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of WE43. The authors noted that HIP is an effective approach for ensuring complete densification of the SLM prepared sample, whilst also noting that green (i.e.…”