On the surface integrity of additive manufactured and post-processed AlSi10Mg parts

The research centres on the evaluation of surface integrity of AlSi10Mg parts produced via laser-based powder bed fusion (LPBF) process, followed by vibratory surface finishing. The alloy is chosen for its applications in lightweight components used in electronic packaging, automotive and aerospace sectors. Initial experiments involve optimisation of key LPBF process parameters by analysing the surface roughness and density data of the built parts. A Taguchi L₁₈ orthogonal array is used for the optmisation trials with variations in the laser power (P), beam scanning speed (v), hatch spacing (H) and island size (I). Latter experimental phase deals with microhardness and microstructure assessment of heat treated LPBF specimens that are produced using the optimised LPBF parameters, i.e. P: 250 W, v: 1500 mm/s, H: 75 μm and I: 2 mm. Microhardnesses of the annealed samples reduce by ~12% with respect to the as-built parts and the values remain almost unchanged from the annealed state following solution treatment and ageing. The fish-scale like melt-pools observed on the unheat treated samples begin to fade off in the annealed specimens and completely disappear after solution treatment and ageing, with silicon particles dispersed all over the aluminium matrix. The final experimental phase involves vibratory surface finishing of the as-built LPBF parts using a vibrating ceramic media mixed with different acid and amine based liquid compounds for 1-6 hours, followed by vibrating in a maize based media for another 1-6 hours. The process aids in reducing the parts' roughness, S_a by ~35-70%, however the effect is more prominent when using the ceramic media.