The effect of atmosphere on the structure and properties of a selective laser melted Al-12Si alloy

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 N2 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.