The effect of extrusion and aging on the mechanical properties of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg

Additive manufacturing is used to build three-dimensional parts from a CAD model. The parts are layered constructed and selectively consolidated by laser or electron beam. This method enables the production of complex geometries of versatile materials parts. In this study, a powder laser bed fusion technique was used to create AlSi10Mg extrusion billets. The AM billets were subjected to stress relief heat treatment (HT) and hot extrusion process. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the extruded AM billets and aged hardened were evaluated. A significant improvement of the extruded sample’s mechanical properties was found compared to cast and as-built material. In some cases, the yield stresses, tensile stresses, and elongation increased by 30–40%. Extrusion of additive manufactured billets can be used as a technique to gain better mechanical properties of heavy-duty products.