Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AlSi7Mg0.6 Aluminum Alloy Fabricated by Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing Based on Cold Metal Transfer (WAAM-CMT)

Abstract

Wire and arc additive manufacturing based on cold metal transfer (WAAM-CMT) has aroused wide public concern in recent years as one of the most advanced technologies for manufacturing components with complex geometries. However, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the parts fabricated by WAAM-CMT technology mostly are intolerable for engineering application and should be improved necessarily. In this study, heat treatment was proposed to optimize the microstructure and enhance mechanical properties in the case of AlSi7Mg0.6 alloy. After heat treatment, the division between coarse grain zone and fine grain zone of as-deposited samples seemed to disappear and the distribution of Si and Mg elements was more uniform. What is more, the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were improved significantly, while the ductility could be sustained after heat treatment. The improvement of strength is attributed to precipitation strengthening, and the shape change of Si phase. No reduction in ductility is due to the higher work hardening rate caused by nanostructured precipitate. It is proved that heat treatment as an effective method can control the microstructure and enhance comprehensive mechanical properties, which will boost rapid development of WAAM industrial technology.