Dilation Characteristics of 3D PBF-LB/M AlSi10Mg Alloy

Application deployment of 3D-printed products represents a progressive area of industrial use of specific metal alloys. In parallel with starting points based on mechanical characteristics in the static and cyclic areas, dilation behavior is an important parameter. A typical application is, for example, components in the aerospace sector, where the components are exposed for a short period to a significant temperature difference in both positive and negative values. Current industrial trends lead to the deployment of additive technologies for producing aircraft system components and instrument parts. Testing of AlSi10Mg alloy samples prepared by direct metal laser sintering, in the past DMLS, now according to the standard laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) method, is carried out by measuring dilation during a controlled temperature course. The AlSi10Mg alloy is used for mechanically less stressed components, from which a high accuracy of functional dimensions is usually required, which can be affected by dilation characteristics in a wide temperature range. Additively produced components have different dilation characteristics within an identical alloy, often dependent on the production method and orientation during 3D printing. The article presents the testing results and subsequent application characteristics of an additively produced aluminum alloy, considering dilation characteristics.