Wire-arc additive manufacturing of Al-Zn5.5-Mg-Cu (ML7075): Shifting paradigms of additive manufacture-ability
Thomas Klein, Leonhard Reiter, Martin Schnall
Abstract
Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys belong to the highest-performing aluminum alloys and are in focus for processing by additive manufacturing with limited success so far. The reason is that these alloys severely tend to hot-cracking. We present results of microstructure and mechanical properties after wire-arc additive manufacturing of an AlZn5.5MgCu alloy. Specimens are crack-free and reach mechanical property values similar to wrought AlZn5.5MgCu. We suggest that the intrinsic heat-treatment affects the processability of this alloy.
Topics & Concepts
Materials scienceAlloyMicrostructureMetallurgyArc (geometry)AluminiumCrackingComposite materialMechanical engineeringEngineeringAdditive Manufacturing Materials and ProcessesAluminum Alloy Microstructure PropertiesAdditive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies