Work

The Influence of Grain Structure on Mechanical Properties of LPBF AlSi10Mg Alloy Obtained via Conventional and KOBO Extrusion Process

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study compares the microstructures and mechanical properties of the AlSi10Mg alloy processed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) after undergoing different post-processing techniques. These techniques include conventional extrusion at 350 °C (CE-350) and KOBO extrusion at both room temperature (KOBO-RT) and 350 °C (KOBO-350). The extrusion processes, regardless of the method used, effectively densified the alloy, fragmented the primary silicon network, and refined the grain structure. Notably, a microstructure analysis indicated that the CE-350 method produced the finest grains, whereas the KOBO-350 method resulted in the largest grains. From a mechanical perspective, extrusion significantly increased ductility—rising from 2.4% to more than 14% elongation—while decreasing strength compared to the as-built state. Among the extruded samples, CE-350 provided the best balance of strength and ductility, exhibiting a yield strength of 186 MPa and a ductility of 18.1% elongation. Overall, the results demonstrate that while extrusion enhances ductility, it does so at the expense of strength, with conventional extrusion yielding a more favorable property balance for this alloy under the tested conditions.

Source: Symmetry

DOI: 10.3390/sym17050709

Authors: Przemysław Snopiński, Paweł Ostachowski, Krzysztof Matus, Krzysztof Żaba

Institutions: Silesian University of Technology, AGH University of Krakow

Language: English

Topic: Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funders: Narodowe Centrum Nauki, Narodowym Centrum Nauki