Abstract
The present study gives insight into the direct aging of an aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg additively manufactured by laser powder-bed fusion. Pure AlSi10Mg powders, as well as powders inoculated with TiC and SiC nanoparticles before laser powder-bed fusion, have been used. The aging behavior of the as-built condition without intermediate solution annealing and quenching is analyzed via differential scanning calorimetry, hardness testing, and micro- as well as nano-structural investigations. In particular, artificial aging after natural aging is considered. The hardening potential for subsequent artificial aging is high for the top part of the samples as well as after short natural aging. The hardening potential for subsequent artificial aging is substantially reduced for the bottom part of the samples as well as after natural aging of more than a few days. The findings should sensitize the community to manage the process logistics of additive manufacturing and heat treatment in order to achieve desired strength levels for components in service. The addition of nanoparticles lowers the maximum hardness level achievable.