Effects of heat treatment on the microstructures and mechanical properties of ultra-multilayer and large-scale 6061 aluminum alloy fabricated by rotational deposition additive manufacturing (RDAM)
摘要
For the ultra-multilayer and large-scale 6061 Al alloys fabricated by rotary deposition additive manufacturing (RDAM), the effects of solution treatment combined with single-stage and dual-stage aging on microstructures and mechanical properties were systematically investigated. The as-deposited alloy exhibited fine equiaxed grains, lamellar deposition features, and distinct interlayer interfaces. Solution treatment improved microstructural homogeneity and reduced texture of alloys. The grain sizes of alloys increase to ~ 2.60 μm and ~ 2.99 μm with grain boundary migration and coarsening. The fraction of high angle grain boundaries (HAGB) increased to ~ 94.5% after single-stage aging, while it slightly decreased to ~ 89.2% after the dual-stage aging. Dual-stage aging promoted the formation of a finer and more uniform precipitate distribution by introducing a higher density of nucleation sites, thereby reducing interlayer heterogeneity and anisotropy. Heat treatment significantly enhanced the strength, achieving a maximum ultimate tensile strength of ~ 420 MPa, while dual-stage aging provided a better strength-ductility balance. The improved mechanical performance is attributed to the combined effects of dynamic recrystallization during RDAM and subsequent precipitation strengthening. This study provides guidance for heat treatment optimization of large-scale solid-state additively manufactured Al alloys.