Elimination of extraordinarily high cracking susceptibility of aluminum alloy fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

Using the calculation of phase diagrams approach and Scheil solidification modeling, Al-2.5Mg-1.0Ni-0.4Sc-0.1Zr alloy was designed, intentionally with an extraordinarily high cracking susceptibility, making it prime for during laser powder bed fusion. This study demonstrates ability to mitigate even most extreme tendencies in aluminum alloys only minor alloying additions Sc Zr, 0.5 wt.% max. Furthermore, by employing a simple direct ageing heat treatment, good tensile mechanical properties were observed yield strength 308 MPa, ultimate 390 total elongation 11%.