Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, additive manufacturing techniques have attracted much research attention because of their ability to fabricate customised parts with complex geometry. The range of composites suitable for laser-based powder bed fusion technique is limited, and has not been investigated yet. This paper aims to study the fabrication of AlSi10Mg reinforced with nAl(2)O(3) using the laser-based powder bed fusion technique.
Design/methodology/approach
An experimental approach was used to investigate the densification of AlSi10Mg-nAl(2)O(3) composites using laser-based powder bed fusion technique. Optimisation of the porosity was performed, and microstructure evolution was evaluated.
Findings
In this study, laser volumetric energy density (approximately 109 J/mm(3)) was found to be required for the fabrication of AlSi10Mg-nAl(2)O(3) composites with a relative volumetric density approximating 99%. The use of laser volumetric energy density resulted in larger grains. Columnar grain structure was observed via the use of electron backscatter diffraction mapping.
Originality/value
This paper examines the processing of new aluminium composite material suitable for the fabrication via the laser-based powder bed fusion technique.