3D printed Aluminium Bronze. Microstructure and mechanical properties of an aluminium-bronze alloy

Abstract

Design and production of the blades is a sophisticated process that needs to be optimized for given permanence of the rotor. Shape of the rotor requires complicated casting. For small series of production it is wise to use 3D printing technology. Aluminium - Bronze as a production material offers good combination of strength, exibility, corrosion resistance and ease of printing. Micro-structural properties were studied on a specimen printed by robotized direct-energy-deposition machine using 2200W laser. Analysis was carried out on optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Also X-ray spectroscopy was performed. It was found that the Al bronze contains α Cu and Fe3Al phase.