Contribution of Mg2Si precipitates to the strength of direct metal laser sintered AlSi10Mg

Microstructure of deformed DMLS-AlSi10Mg under quasi-static loading was studied using TEM to elaborate the strengthening mechanisms. In addition to Orowan (due to presence of Si precipitates), Hall-Petch (due to eutectic Si walls), and dislocation hardening (due to pre-existing entangled dislocations) mechanisms, Mg2Si precipitates (colonies) contributed to the strength of alloy by impeding dislocation motion. The level of this contribution was evaluated as similar to 13 MPa by comparing the modeled and measured yield strength.