Effect of microwave and conventional heating on sintering behavior and properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy

► Microwave sintering (MWS) resulted in ∼58% reduction in processing time. ► Higher heating rate (22 °C min−1) due to effective coupling of microwaves with alloy. ► Shorter processing time in MWS resulted in absence of intermetallic phases. ► Conventional sintering at 630 °C resulted in better mechanical properties. ► Ageing (T6 and T4 condition) improved mechanical properties significantly.