Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al–(12-20)Si Bi-Material Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting

In this study, a combination of Al–12Si and Al–20Si (Al–(12-20)Si) alloys was fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) as a result of increased component requirements such as geometrical complexity and high dimensional accuracy. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the SLM Al–(12-20)Si in as-produced as well as in heat-treated conditions were investigated. The Al–(12-20)Si interface was in the as-built condition and it gradually became blurry until it disappeared after heat treatment at 673 K for 6 h. This Al–(12-20)Si bi-material displayed excellent mechanical properties. The hardness of the Al–20Si alloy side was significantly higher than that of the Al–12Si alloy side and the disparity between both sides gradually decreased and tended to be consistent after heat treatment at 673 K for 6 h. The tensile strength and elongation of the Al–(12-20Si) bi-material lies in between the Al–12Si and Al–20Si alloys and fracture occurs in the Al–20Si side. The present results provide new insights into the fabrication of bi-materials using SLM.