Structure formation features of large block-shaped samples from the copper and aluminum alloy produced by the wire-feed electron-beam additive technology

Abstract

In this work the study of the structure of samples made by the wire-feed electronbeam 3D printing from copper C11000 and aluminum alloy AA5056 was carried out. The presence of a dendritic structure typical of this method was revealed, as well as the presence of pores, cracks and other defects that occurred during printing. Mechanical properties of samples cut in the planar section are at a rather low level. The ultimate tensile strength of copper block samples varies between 165 and 187 MPa. The relative elongation of samples without pores is at 18%, but with the presence of pores it decreases sharply to 7%, while the strength is practically not decreased. The samples of alloy AA5056 demonstrate slightly higher mechanical properties: the strength is at the level of 190-192 MPa and the relative elongation is about 16-18%. In samples with defects such as large pores or discontinuities, the strength drops to almost zero.