Effects of build orientation and heat treatment on microstructure and properties of Cu–Cr–Zr alloy manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

Laser powder bed fusion was utilized to manufacture Cu–1Cr-0.19Zr alloys with varied build orientations (0°and 90°). The build orientation affected the grain orientation and texture of the studied alloy. Cu–1Cr-0.19Zr alloy manufactured in the 0° orientation exhibited an intensive <110> texture. Aging the as-fabricated alloy reduced dislocations and dislocation cells and led to the formation of recrystallized grains and face-centered-cubic structured Cr precipitates (2–7 nm). The mechanical properties and conductivity of the Cu–1Cr-0.19Zr alloy increased with the aging time. The conductivity enhancement was ascribed to the decrease of defect, and impurity scattering. Meanwhile, texture led to the anisotropy of the mechanical property in the vertical and horizontal planes. The optimal aging temperature and holding time were 500 °C and 30 min, the microhardness, electrical conductivity, and yield strength (compression) reached 220.6 HV, 62.1% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), and 540 MPa. The softening temperature of the peak-aged Cu–1Cr-0.19Zr alloy was 580 °C, which was enhanced by dispersed Cr precipitates. These findings guide to fabrication of Cu–Cr–Zr alloys by laser-assisted additive manufacturing.