Selective laser melting of a high-strength aluminium alloy

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) of highly complex metal structures using selective laser melting (SLM) is increasingly gaining interest. In the aerospace industry, metal alloys with a high strength to weight ratio play an important role. Although several Ti‐ and Al‐alloys have been SLM‐processed successfully, the high‐strength aluminium alloy EN AW 7075 remains a challenge. The high sensitivity to hot cracks caused by process related temperature gradients and rapid solidification represents the major challenge. Preheating is a promising approach to reduce temperature gradients and minimize shrinking between the layers. Livia Zumofen, Andreas Kirchheim Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW – School of Engineering Centre for Product and Process Development ZPP, Winterthur