Abstract:
Objective To enhance mechanical properties of 2319 aluminum alloy components fabricated by wire-based friction stir additive manufacturing (W-FSAM) to the level of forgings, a rapid heat treatment process suitable for W-FSAM-fabricated 2319 aluminum alloy was investigated.
Methods In this study, a 50 mm height of 2319 aluminum alloy crossbeam structure was successfully fabricated by W-FSAM with a rotation speed of 700 r/min, a wire feeding speed of 780 mm/min and a travel speed of 180 mm/min. The as-deposited component subsequently underwent a rapid heat treatment consisting of annealing, rapid heating, and annealing homogenization prior to solution treatment and artificial aging.
Results The results indicate that when the peak rapid heating temperature reached 460 ℃, grain growth tendency within W-FSAM-fabricated 2319 aluminum alloy was effectively suppressed, with an average grain size ranging from 50 to 200 μm. Tensile strength along the build direction and travel direction were measured at 384 MPa and 442 MPa, respectively, achieving 105.2% and 110.5% of the through-thickness and longitudinal properties of 2219-T6 aluminum alloy forgings.
Conclusion Rapid heat treatment process not only inhibits abnormal grain growth but also significantly enhances material strength of W-FSAM-produced 2319 aluminum alloy components.