Production Strategy for Manufacturing Large-Scale AlSi10Mg Components by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Abstract

The long production time required for large-scale parts fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) tends to induce cracks, distortions, and overheating problems. In this work, to address these challenges, we explored and established a suitable strategy for producing large AlSi10Mg components. The platform temperatures to prevent cracks and distortions were firstly determined. Then, the in situ aging behavior was investigated for samples under various platform temperatures and holding times. Our results revealed that platform temperatures of 150°C and 200°C can effectively prevent cracks and minimize distortions. Besides, using 150°C, samples can reach peak hardness with a holding time less than 13 h. In comparison, those samples produced with a holding time longer than 13 h at 150°C and 200°C show obvious over-aging responses and thus lower hardness. However, such a hardness impoverishment can be recovered by using a T6 post-process heat-treatment.