An additively manufactured AlCuMnZr alloy microstructure and tensile mechanical properties

Selective laser melting (SLM) was used to fabricate an AlCuMnZr alloy. The microstructural features that resulted from additive manufacturing (AM) were significantly refined compared to the corresponding cast alloy features. A combination of fine equiaxed and columnar grains along with in-situ formation of theta' precipitates during AM leads to enhanced yield strength (up to 300 degrees C) in the as-fabricated AM alloy. The refinement of brittle intermetallics and a bimodal grain size distribution leads to improved tensile elongation in the AM alloy. The results illustrate the microstructural advantages that can result from additive processing over conventionally processed microstructures.