Corrosion resistance distribution of a 3D printed aluminum alloy part

Abstract The aim of the studies was to investigate the corrosion behavior of an aluminum alloy AlMg4.5Mn0.7 produced by an additive technology based on cold metal transfer technology. The tests were performed by conventional electrochemical methods. Open circuit potential, time measurements were used to measure the corrosion potential values and its change in time during exposition to corroding media. Cyclic potentio-dynamic polarization curves were used to investigate the susceptibility to pitting corrosion. Significant differences could be detected between the corrosion behavior of the alloy of same composition prepared with conventional technology and with cold metal transfer one. The investigations clearly indicate different stages of sensitization and susceptibility to pitting corrosion.