The latest development of Sc -strengthened aluminum alloys by laser powder b e d fusion

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is one of the typical additive manufacturing techniques that enables the fabrication of complex-shaped structures with great freedom of design. Due to the challenges encoun-tered in LPBF processing of Al alloys, most studies have focused on AlSi alloys which are much easier to process but are not inherently designed for high-strength applications. In recent years, however, signif-icant progress has been made to develop Sc-containing Al alloys that are designed specifically for LPBF production. These alloys display excellent processability and superior mechanical properties that open up a range of possible applications in industries that require high specific strength, good thermal stability, and increased functionality. As such, this paper reviews the available literature on how Sc additions in-fluence the microstructure and properties of Al alloys when processed via LPBF and thus, aims to shed light on the considerations that have been made to achieve remarkable material consolidation alongside excellent mechanical properties, with the latter achieved through a high degree of Sc supersaturation and a great potential for nanoprecipitation.(c) 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.