Selective laser melting of AlCu-TiB2 alloy using pulsed wave laser emission mode: processability, microstructure and mechanical properties

The present work explores the processability of an advanced aluminum alloy, namely AlCu-TiB2, by selective laser melting (SLM), and correlation between microstructure mechanical properties as built specimens. principal process parameters emission in pulsed wave (PW) mode, power exposure time, were varied to achieve full density parts starting from prealloyed powders. Detailed analysis defects highest relative conditions was performed thzrough X-ray computed tomography. It found that density, up 99.5%, achieved at a energy 82 J/mm3. Microstructure as-built specimens analyzed through scanning electron microscopy, coupled with EDX EBSD analyses, transmission microscopy. considerably uniform, characterized fine equiaxed grains, decorated micrometric nanometric second phases even distribution reinforcing TiB2 particles; no epitaxial grain growth observed. Finally, tensile behaviour indicates yield ultimate stress 325 MPa 395 MPa, respectively, combined elongation 13%. low hardening rate jerky flow characterizing plastic deformation are discussed.