Influence of element vaporization on formability, composition, microstructure, and mechanical performance of the selective laser melted Mg-Zn-Zr components

Abstract

Selective laser melting was used to fabricate Mg-5.2Zn-0.5Zr (ZK60) components and the influence of element vaporization on formability, composition, microstructure, and mechanical performance of the final products was studied. As-built components presented a highest relative density of 94.05%. All products exhibited a higher Mg:Zn ratio and a lower total content of Mg and Zn than the raw material, matching well with the result calculated from Langmuir and Chapman-Enskog models. After SLM processing, the variation in composition induced a refined microstructure with lessened Mg-Zn precipitates. Although the decrease in relative content of reinforcement element Zn could degrade mechanical performance of the as-built sample, the refined microstructure still ensured an ideal microhardness comparable to those of the wrought ZK60.