On the laser additive manufacturing of metal matrix composites

This paper reviews the challenges and opportunities related to the production of of metal matrix composites (MMCs) and functionally graded materials (FGMs) by additive manufacturing laser-based technologies. Special attention is given to issues such as the stability of the reinforcement particles under the laser beam, particles’ dissolution in the metallic melt pool and interfacial reactions between the particles and the metallic matrix. Illustrations are taken from a preliminary investigation, by the MMS Unit, into the laser cladding of stainless steel + carbides composite coatings, as well as from the open scientific literature