The Reusability of AlSi10Mg Powder in Directed Energy Deposition

Abstract

The low deposition efficiency in directed energy deposition (DED) has prompted the reuse of powders that do not fuse to the builds to make additive manufacturing more sustainable. It is unknown, however, how the properties of the powder and deposited parts change as powders are continuously reused. In this study, AlSi10Mg was investigated for five deposition cycles in DED. Exposing AlSi10Mg powder to DED conditions changes the morphology, size, and flowability. The mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg DED parts decreased after the feedstock powder was reused one time. Notably, no additional significant changes were observed when the powder was further reused.