Porosity evolution in additively manufactured aluminium alloy during high temperature exposure

A 2319 aluminum alloy is deposited by the Wire+Arc Additive Manufacturing technology with Cold Metal Transfer process. Porosity that are both existing in the as-deposited and as-heat treated state metal are revealed by optical microscopy and quantitatively analyzed. It explains the reason why the newly initiated pores are easily tend to gather between each layer around the fusion line zone for the WAAM metal after heat treatment. The inner morphology of the pores are demonstrated by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Porosity evolution and distribution during high temperature exposure are demonstrated. Thus two porosity growth and number increase mechanisms are proposed eventually, providing theoretical basis for related material design and process optimization.