SLM-processed Sc- and Zr- modified Al-Mg alloy: Mechanical properties and microstructural effects of heat treatment

Traditionally 4xxx casting alloys are used for the additive manufacturing of structurally optimised lightweight parts in space, aerospace and automotive. However, for such applications there is a need for hardenable high-strength Al-alloys exceeding the properties of the 4xxx alloys family. The study analyses the hardness response of different heat treatment temperatures and hold durations applied to a Sc- and Zr-modified Al-Mg (5xxx-) alloy (Scalmalloy®) processed by Selective Laser Melting, and compares the mechanical properties and microstructure in the as-processed and annealed condition, and these properties are clearly related to the very fine grained microstructure. The results show that the static mechanical properties are exceptionally good with Rm-values exceeding 500 MPa along with almost no build-orientation related anisotropic effects, and a high ductility even in the heat treated condition. These properties are clearly related to the very fine grained material, along with the good hardenability of the alloy. The stress-strain curves show the typical Portevin-Le-Chatelier (PLC) effect as known for other 5xxx alloys. Due to significant grain boundary pinning by different particles the very fine-grained bi-modal microstructure originating from the SLM-process can be maintained even in the heat treated condition, and only a HIP treatment leads to local grain growth only in coarser grained regions.