Effect of build orientation and elevated temperature on microhardness and deformation of dynamically tested SLM processed AlSi12 alloy

This paper investigates the microhardness and deformation behaviour of AlSi12 aluminium alloy samples processed by Selective Laser Melting additive manufacturing for different build orientations (horizontal, inclined and vertical). The samples were dynamically compressed at high strain rates using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) at an elevated temperature as well as at room temperature. The AlSi12 is a eutectic aluminium alloy, which portrays anisotropy while processed in the Selective Laser Melting. The sample built in the vertical build orientation was found to have the maximum hardness when compared with that built in other build orientations. The effect of elevated test temperature was to reduce the hardness of dynamically tested samples for any build orientation. The AlSi12 sample built in the vertical orientation displayed the least deformation after dynamic testing.