Effect of laser power on the microstructure, shape memory effect and mechanical properties of Cu–13Al–5Fe high temperature shape memory alloy by laser powder bed fusion

In this work, Cu–13Al–5Fe high temperature shape memory alloy was fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). And the effect of laser power on the microstructure, phaser transition temperature and mechanical properties under the as-deposited and quenched states was studied in depth. It can be found that when the laser power is 380 W, the Cu–13Al–5Fe high temperature shape memory alloy has good shape memory effect and mechanical properties due to the large number of thin needle-type βʹ martensite. Under the as-deposited state, when the laser power increases from 360 to 380 W, the βʹ martensite changes from lamellar-type to needle-type, the compressive stress–strain by 12.03% and 3.05% respectively, and the tensile strength increases by 2.7%. Meanwhile, under the quenched state, when the laser power increases from 360 to 380 W, the needle-type βʹ martensite changes from coarse to thin, the compressive stress–strain by 37.21% and 20.11% respectively, and the tensile strength increases by 19.03%. in addition, the recovery strain and recovery ratio are increased by 12.05% and 16.32%, respectively. Therefore, the laser power can effectively regulate and control the microstructure and properties of LPBF Cu–13Al–5Fe high temperature shape memory alloy.