CuCrZr alloy manufactured by LPBF process: correlation between microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties

Copper based alloys are promising materials for electrical and thermal devices. In this respect, the use of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) allows the realization of 3D complex structures, possibly enhancing the functional performances of such devices. LPBF also induces refined microstructures and build-up of residual stresses, due to the rapid solidifications and high cooling rate. In this work a CuCrZr alloy was manufactured by LPBF and a process feasibility window was defined. The effect of a heat treatment, consisting of solution annealing and artificial aging, and of the building direction on the microstructure, tensile, and thermal properties was evaluated. It was found that thermal conductivity is improved by the heat treatment and that thermal conductivity resulted anisotropic, being higher in the growth direction.