Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Al-Mg-Si-Zr Alloy Processed by L-PBF and Subsequent Heat Treatments

The aim of this study was to develop a new Al-Mg-Si-Zr alloy with a high magnesium content to achieve a wide range of mechanical properties using heat treatment and at a lower cost. Additive manufacturing was conducted using a powder bed fusion process with various scan speeds to change the volumetric energy density and establish optimal process conditions. In addition, mechanical properties were evaluated using heat treatment under various conditions. The characterization of the microstructure was conducted by scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were determined by tensile tests. The as-built specimen showed a yield strength of 447.9 +/- 3.6 MPa, a tensile strength of 493.4 +/- 6.7 MPa, and an elongation of 9.6 +/- 1.1%. Moreover, the mechanical properties could be adjusted according to various heat treatment conditions. Specifically, under the HT1 (low-temperature artificial aging) condition, the ultimate tensile strength increased to 503.2 +/- 1.1 MPa, and under the HT2 (high-temperature artificial aging) condition, the yield strength increased to 467 +/- 1.3 MPa. It was confirmed that the maximum elongation (14.3 +/- 0.8%) was exhibited with the HT3 (soft annealing) heat treatment.