Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a revolutionary approach to producing complex geometric shapes directly from digital models. In the context of lightweight aluminum-based components, AM opens up unprecedented opportunities for design optimization, weight reduction, and increased functionality. The integration of quasicrystals (QC) into aluminum alloys used in AM is a promising direction for creating materials with improved properties.
Quasicrystals, materials with an ordered but not periodic structure, have a unique combination of properties, including high hardness, low friction coefficient, and good corrosion resistance. Adding CC to aluminum alloys can significantly improve their strength, wear resistance, and heat resistance. AM provides precise control over the microstructure of the material, which allows for the optimization of the CC distribution in the aluminum matrix and the achievement of maximum improvement in properties.
This work is devoted to the current and still unresolved problem of additive manufacturing of lightweight metal elements. We have established that the use of quasi-crystalline particles based on aluminum makes it possible to optimize the technology of selective laser sintering for the creation of aluminum parts of arbitrary geometry.
The process takes place in a furnace at a certain temperature in an inert gas environment. The aluminum alloy interacts with quasi-crystalline particles, which leads to phase changes and, as a result, to obtaining a material with improved mechanical characteristics, safe for the environment and profitable from an economic point of view.
The development and optimization of compositions of aluminum alloys containing QC for AM requires a deep understanding of the solidification processes and phase transformations. An important aspect is the selection of a suitable AM method, such as selective laser melting (SLM) or electron beam melting (EBM), to ensure optimal conditions for the formation of a quasi-crystalline structure. The influence of printing parameters, such as laser power, scanning speed, and substrate temperature, on the microstructure and properties of the final product must also be taken into account.
The use of quasicrystals in additive manufacturing of lightweight aluminum-based components opens up broad prospects for creating materials with improved properties for the aerospace, automotive and other industries.
Author: Samuel Kenzari, David Bonina, Jean-Marie Dubois, Vincent Fournée
Institute: Institut Jean Lamour, UMR 7198 CNRS-University of Lorraine, Parc de Sorup, F-54011 Nancy, France