A356 aluminium alloy (AlSi7Mg0.3) is widely used for gravity casting. Its good ductility, strength and corrosion resistance properties make it a compelling material for components requiring high reliability. Examples of parts traditionally built using A356 include engine parts, hydraulic components, brackets, housing covers in automotive, aerospace, and machinery industries [1, 2].
In this post we present the superior mechanical properties of A356 components showing 99.8% relative density [3] and built on the EOSINT M280.

Where the coarse acidular silicon acts as crack initiation sites in conventional cast alloys, refined eutectic microstructure of Al–Si alloys machined by SLM tends to dramatically improve their mechanical properties - specifically strength and ductility [1]. Here we report the latest findings on AlSi12 where SLM combined with solution heat treatment generates 25% tensile ductility. [2]

A large number of commercially available metal powders are processed using SLM. The objectives of fundamental investigations are 1) to validate the manufacturing viability of standard commercial powders using AM, 2) to compare the metallurgical and mechanical properties of components made using AM and conventional manufacturing techniques and 3) to extrapolate information susceptible to help design new AM-specific materials displaying superior mechanical properties. 

Among the materials studied, titanium alloy Ti6Al4V has generated much interest given its broad industrial applications within established economic markets. Using SLM to achieve similar or superior mechanical properties compared to wrought material properties is a critical performance benchmark. Recent results suggest this is possible.