Recent progress on microstructure manipulation of aluminium alloys manufactured via laser powder bed fusion

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a promising additive manufacturing technique that allows layer-by-layer fabrication of metallic powders. Distinguished thermal dynamics result in the microstructure of intrinsic features. This review aims to provide a thorough insight into the solidification fundamentals and the microstructural tailoring during LPBF. It begins with the introduction of the LPBF and the challenges of its applications with aluminium alloys. The thermal dynamics and its influence on the microstructure in LPBF were thereafter discussed. The attempts to tailor microstructures by refinement in LPBF fabrication of various aluminium alloys were summarised. Finally, the review provides a conclusive remark on the microstructural controlling and an outlook on the remaining challenges and potential research topics in LPBF with Al alloys.

Automated summary

This review provides an in-depth insight into laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology and its applications with aluminium alloys. It discusses the influence of thermal dynamics on microstructure in LPBF and summarizes the methods to refine microstructures in LPBF fabrication of various aluminium alloys. The review concludes with a summary of microstructural control and an outlook on the challenges and potential research topics in LPBF with Al alloys.