Conventional and Additive Manufacturing with Metal Matrix Composites: A Perspective

Abstract

Metal matrix composites are a class of materials in which one or more materials are added to a metal targeting specific property enhancements. Considering the possibilities to tailor the materials and the outcome attributes to specific product needs, they have attained significant research attention in the past. Different traditional manufacturing methods are employed, but powder metallurgy is the most prominent approach to achieve metal matrix composite parts, though with restrictions in the product forms achieved, apart from process limitations. On the other hand, the additive manufacturing techniques rapidly evolved from the mere prototyping options to the promising additive manufacturing methods. Considering the point-point-point material consolidation and full melting and solidification of powder particles, the additive technologies offer promising new challenges and benefits with the metal-matrix powders. The current state of the application of additive manufacturing to metal matrix composites is ascertained in this paper and selective laser melting is identified as the most promising route to process metal matrix composites, targeting specific benefits.