Hard Anodizing and Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation of an Additively Manufactured Al-Si alloy

Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) and Hard Anodizing (HA) coatings are investigated on an Additively Manufactured (AM) Al10Si1Mg alloy obtained via Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). Results compared to those for a conventional A361 cast alloy. Findings revealed that the microstructure of AM alloy, consisting α-Al cells enclosed in Si network, produces more uniform –in terms morphology, thickness roughness coating/substrate interface– than However, enhanced oxidation fine network results softer coatings. In both alloys, PEO demonstrate superior wear protection HA due presence mullite former. The anisotropy influences tribological behaviour studied coatings, with XZ plane showing performance.