The effect of atmosphere on the structure and properties of a selective laser melted Al-12Si alloy
Abstract Al–12Si components were manufactured by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) using three different atmospheres: argon; nitrogen and helium. The atmosphere type did not affect the part's density or hardness and all components reached near full relative density (>97%). The mechanical properties of the components produced in Ar and N 2 were superior to those in He, especially the ductility, which has been attributed to the formation of pore clusters in the microstructure. The mechanical properties in SLM-produced components are superior to those produced using conventional method.