A Study of Process Optimization and Wear Behavior of Additive Manufacturing Process of ALSi10Mg

Additive Manufacturing (AM), frequently referred to as 3D printing, has emerged as a transformative technology that possesses the capacity to revolutionize traditional manufacturing methodologies. Unlike subtractive manufacturing processes, which involve the removal of material from a solid substrate, additive manufacturing fabricates objects incrementally, layer by layer, directly from digital schematics. This approach offers a multitude of advantages, including the ability to produce complex geometries, reduce material waste, and customize products to meet specific individual specifications.
Additive manufacturing (AM) of aluminium alloys, particularly AlSi10Mg, has gained significant interest due to its applicability in aerospace, automotive, and tooling industries. This study investigates the effect of T6 heat treatment on the wear behavior and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg parts produced by Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Post-processing included solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging. Vickers hardness testing and dry sliding wear tests were performed to analyze the changes in micro hardness and wear resistance. The results revealed a significant increase in hardness and improved wear resistance after heat treatment, indicating the effectiveness of T6 treatment in enhancing the performance of AM AlSi10Mg components.

Additive Manufacturing, DMLS, ALSi10Mg, T6 Heat Treatment, Wear Resistance, Pin-on-Disc

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