A novel high-strength Al-6Zn-4Ni-2Mg-1Cu-Fe alloy for directed energy deposition

  • Klein, T. (Speaker)
  • Petra Spörk-Erdely (Author)
  • Aurel Arnoldt (Author)
  • Norbert Enzinger (Author)
  • Martin Stockinger (Author)
  • Simson, C. (Author)

Activity: Talk or presentation / LecturePresentation at a scientific conference / workshop

Description

The development of novel alloys tailored for additive manufacturing has been a research focus in recent years. While substantial progress was achieved using powder-based processes, fewer efforts have been reported using wires, and most of the literature is based on commercial welding wires. In wire-arc directed energy deposition (waDED), a wire is used as feedstock, melted using an electric arc and deposited according to a predefined path yielding 3D objects. waDED processes are increasingly incorporated in modern and versatile manufacturing chains. Aluminum alloys currently used for waDED, however, fall short either in terms of the required mechanical properties, or in terms of processability. Therefore, new alloys are needed that show robust processability and high mechanical performance. Thus, an alloy – Al-6Zn-4Ni-2Mg-1Cu-Fe – that has not been tested yet for DED is investigated. To account for the required properties, the coupled use of several intermetallic phases forming during solidification and heat-treatment is exploited in this alloy. After wire fabrication (induction-based casting followed by hot extrusion) and deposition of specimens (Cold Metal Transfer), detailed characterization was performed, and the effects of a post-process heat-treatment were assessed. Employed techniques encompass scanning electron microscopy, electron back-scatter diffraction, high-energy X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry accompanied by microhardness and tensile testing. Characterization results evidence the absence of texture in combination with high mechanical strength, in particular after a solution heat-treatment followed by an artificial aging heat-treatment. The systematic investigations shed light upon the complex microstructures in as-built and heat-treated conditions and their relevance to the mechanical properties.
Period6 Sept 2024
Event titleAlloys for Additive Manufacturing Sympsium
Event typeConference
LocationParisShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational

Research Field

  • Wire-Based Additive Manufacturing