A Review on Additively Manufactured AlSi10Mg Alloy: Mechanical, Tribological, and Microstructure Properties

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has rapidly evolved as a transformative technology, enabling the production of complex, highperformance materials that exhibit superior mechanical and tribological properties. Among the materials benefiting from this advancement is AlSi10Mg, an aluminum-silicon-magnesium alloy. AlSi10Mg has gained notable attention in industries like aerospace and automotive due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, high thermal conductivity, and robust wear resistance. These properties make it particularly suitable for lightweight, high-stress applications. This review consolidates state-of-the-art research on AlSi10Mg, specifically focusing on components produced through Selective Laser Melting (SLM), a prominent AM technique. SLM enables precise control over the materials microstructure and properties by melting and fusing powdered material layer-by-layer using a high-energy laser. The review delves into the influence of various SLM processing parameters, play a crucial role in influencing the alloy’s density, porosity, and internal stress, ultimately affecting its mechanical performance. Additionally, the review examines post-processing treatments enhancing AlSi10Mg’s strength, ductility, and fatigue resistance. Furthermore, the impact of these treatments on the alloy's microstructure, particularly the distribution and morphology of silicon phases within the aluminum matrix, is critically discussed, as they influence wear resistance and hardness. Major Findings: The major findings in this work are the potential of AM-produced AlSi10Mg as a high-performance material for industrial applications, highlighting current challenges and future research directions aimed at optimizing processing.