Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of a Solid-State Additive Manufactured Magnesium Alloy

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) has gained prominence in rapid prototyping and production of structural components with complex geometries. Magnesium alloys, whose strength-to-weight ratio is superior compared to steel and aluminum alloys, have shown potential in lightweighting applications. However, commercial beam-based AM technologies have limited success with magnesium alloys due to vaporization and hot cracking. Therefore, as an alternative approach, we propose the use of a near net-shape solid-state additive manufacturing process, Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD), to fabricate magnesium alloys in bulk. In this study, a parametric investigation was performed to quantify the effect of process parameters on AFSD build quality including volumetric defects and surface quality in magnesium alloy AZ31B. In order to understand the effect of the AFSD process on structural integrity in the magnesium alloy AZ31B, in-depth microstructure and mechanical property characterization was conducted on a bulk AFSD build fabricated with a set of acceptable process parameters. Results of the microstructure analysis of the as-deposited AFSD build revealed bulk microstructure similar to wrought magnesium alloy AZ31 plate. Additionally, similar hardness measurements were found in AFSD build compared to control wrought specimens. While tensile test results of the as-deposited AFSD build exhibited a 20 percent drop in yield strength, nearly identical ultimate strength was observed compared to the wrought control. The experimental results of this study illustrate the potential of using the AFSD process to additively manufacture Mg alloys for load bearing structural components with achieving wrought-like microstructure and mechanical properties.

Ecological Joining Process of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy

Due to their properties (low density, high corrosion resistance, easy to process), magnesium alloys are used in all important industrial fields (aeronautics, automotive, transport, etc.). Magnesium is the lightest metal for complex metal structures with a density 2-3 times lower than that of aluminum and a quarter than that of steel. The possibility of joining magnesium with other materials allows a greater flexibility in designing and increasing the number of applications for light alloys.This paper presents results obtained by ISIM Timisoara for FSW welding of magnesium alloy AZ31B. Considering the difficulties that arise when welding magnesium alloys using classical processes, it can be assumed that by applying the FSW process for joining these types of materials, the results obtained are very good and can substantiate industrial applications.

Biological evaluation of selective laser melted magnesium alloy powder

Purpose: The current study examined magnesium alloy AZ31B specimens manufactured with Additive Manufacturing method (selective laser melting – SLM) to investigate the applicability of this technology for the production of medical devices. Methods: Osteoblast cells and bacterial biofilm growth ability on specimen was examined and the effect of surface state on corrosion resistance was evaluated by electrochemical and immersion methods. Results: High survival of hFOB cells, as well as a strong tendency for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilm proliferation on the surface of the tested specimens were shown. SLM-processed AZ31B alloy has a higher corrosion resistance in 0.9% NaCl solution and in a multi-electrolyte saline solution than the material in a conventional form of a rolled sheet. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated that the strong development of the surface of as-built processed specimens results in a significantly increased corrosion rate, which hinders the production of complex structures in tissue engineering products that support cell ingrowth.