Additive Manufacturing of Alloys: In-depth Review of Selective Laser Melting and Binder Jetting

Additive Manufacturing (AM), often referred to as 3D printing, is recognized as a ground breaking innovation within contemporary industry. It allows for the creation of intricate components directly from computer-aided design models, significantly reducing material waste and production time. Among the different metal based AM techniques, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Binder Jetting (BJ) have gained widespread recognition for their unique capabilities in fabricating high-performance alloys. This paper presents a comprehensive review of these two techniques, covering their working principles, equipment, material considerations, microstructural development, mechanical properties, applications, post-processing methods, advantages, limitations, and future research directions. A comparative analysis between SLM and BJ is provided to guide engineers in selecting the appropriate method for specific industrial applications.