Tensile Properties of Additively Manufactured C-18150 Copper Alloys

The effect of aging processes on the tensile properties of C-18150 copper alloy samples, made by laser powder-bed-fusion additive manufacturing (AM) process with three different fabrication orientations (horizontal, angled, and vertical to the build direction), are investigated. For the as-fabricated C-18150 AM parts, horizontal and angled fabrication directions result in marginally better tensile strengths and much improved strain-to-failure values than those of vertically built AM parts. After the aging treatment, tensile strength can be significantly enhanced with a sacrifice of the strain-to-failure value. Moreover, the highest tensile strength is achieved by treating the as-fabricated samples at an aging temperature of 500 degrees C for 2 h. At 800 degrees F (427 degrees C), both tensile strength and ductility are smaller than low temperature values (room temperature and 400 degrees F/204 degrees C). Phase constituents, microstructure, and composition distribution of the AM parts are characterized to gain insight into the measured tensile properties. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The tensile properties of C-18150 copper alloy samples fabricated through laser powder-bed-fusion additive manufacturing (AM) are influenced by aging processes, with significant enhancement in tensile strength observed. However, the sacrifice of strain-to-failure values is noted after aging treatment. The optimal aging temperature for achieving the highest tensile strength is found to be 500 degrees C for 2 hours, while both tensile strength and ductility decrease at higher temperatures.