Published Paper Details:

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has emerged as a key metal additive manufacturing process for producing complex, near-net-shape components with tailored properties for advanced manufacturing applications. Among aluminium alloys, AlSi10Mg is extensively used in SLM due to its excellent process ability, good castability, and favourable combination of strength, lightweight characteristics, and corrosion resistance, making it attractive for aerospace, automotive, and tooling industries. This review critically examines the influence of SLM processing from a manufacturing perspective, with emphasis on the interrelationships between process parameters, microstructure evolution, and resulting mechanical and tribological properties of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy. The effects of laser power, scan speed, hatch spacing, layer thickness, and scan strategy on densification, defect formation, and microstructural features such as grain morphology and silicon distribution are discussed. Corresponding impacts on tensile strength, hardness, fatigue behavior, wear resistance, and friction characteristics are systematically reviewed. The role of post-processing routes, including heat treatment, hot isostatic pressing and surface finishing, in enhancing functional performance is also addressed. Key conclusions highlight that optimized SLM parameter windows and appropriate post-processing are essential to achieve balanced mechanical and tribological performance suitable for industrial deployment. Despite significant progress, gaps remain in standardized tribological testing, long-term fatigue behaviour, and scalable process optimization strategies. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the reliable and widespread manufacturing adoption of SLM-processed AlSi10Mg components.