Process development for wire-based laser metal deposition of 5087 aluminium alloy by using fibre laser

Abstract

In recent decades, laser metal deposition, as a part of additive manufacturing, developed into a promising methodology in industrial fields. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the processability of lightweight high-strength structural materials, such as aluminium alloys. However, in terms of wire-based laser metal deposition, there is still a lack of knowledge with regard to the processability of aluminium alloys. In this research, the process development for wire-based laser metal deposition of a 5087 aluminium alloy (AlMg4.5 MnZr) has been conducted. It is observed that pre-heating is beneficial in terms of porosity and distortion reduction. Within optimized parameter ranges, it is possible to control the geometric shape, dilution, and aspect ratios of the deposited layers in a systematic way. Accordingly, defect-free layers with tailored geometrical features can be processed and adapted to specific process requirements.