Structure and Mechanical Properties of Al–Ce–Fe Alloy Synthesized by LPBF Method

A new low-alloyed Al–Ce–Fe alloy was consolidated by laser power bed fusion (LPBF) method. The process conditions that ensure the production of samples with minimal porosity (0.2%–0.6%) and with a balance of high tensile strength (250 MPa) and elongation (15%) were determined. This combination of properties is ensured by the formation of an ultrafine structure of the degenerate eutectic and a low dislocation density. The strength of the printed alloy is 2 times higher compared with conventional alloy. The strength of the as-built alloy has superior thermal stability – up to 300 °C. In addition, heat treatment at 300 °C makes it possible to increase the plasticity of the material by 1.5 times. In combination with the high cooling rates of the LPBF process, good mechanical properties of Al–Ce–Fe were obtained due to the unique microstructure making this alloy promising as new adopted alloy for LPBF and also as matrix for new metal matrix composites expanding the range of materials suitable for metal additive manufacturing.