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Selective laser melting of aluminum alloys

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Abstract

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes, such as selective laser melting (SLM), enable powdered metals to be formed into arbitrary three-dimensional shapes. For aluminum alloys, which are desirable in many high-value applications for their low density and good mechanical performance, SLM is regarded as challenging due to the difficulties in laser melting aluminum powders. However, a number of recent studies have demonstrated successful aluminum processing, and have gone on to explore its potential for use in advanced AM componentry. In addition to enabling the fabrication of highly complex structures, SLM produces parts with characteristically fine microstructures that yield distinct mechanical properties. Research is rapidly progressing in this field, with promising results opening up a range of possible applications across scientific and industrial sectors. This article reports on recent developments in this area of research and highlights key topics that require further attention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Additive Manufacturing, The University of Nottingham, UK

    Nesma T. Aboulkhair, Ian Maskery, Ian Ashcroft & Chris Tuck

  2. Bioengineering Research Group, The University of Nottingham, UK

    Nicola M. Everitt

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  1. Nesma T. Aboulkhair
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  3. Ian Maskery
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Correspondence to Nesma T. Aboulkhair.

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This technical feature article is related to the theme of the October 2016 MRS Bulletin issue on “Metallic materials for 3D printing.”

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Aboulkhair, N.T., Everitt, N.M., Maskery, I. et al. Selective laser melting of aluminum alloys. MRS Bulletin 42, 311–319 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1557/mrs.2017.63

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