Tribological Performance and Wear Characteristics Of 3d-Printed Metal Alloys for Advanced Engineering Applications

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, has revolutionized the production of complex metal components with intricate geometries, tailored properties, and reduced material wastage. Among the most promising aspects of this technology lies its potential to produce metal alloys with superior tribological characteristics suitable for high-performance engineering applications such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical implants, and energy systems. This paper explores the tribological performance of 3Dprinted metal alloys, emphasizing the interplay between material microstructure, surface topography, and wear mechanisms. It also discusses the influence of process parameters on friction and wear behavior, evaluates postprocessing techniques, and highlights future challenges and opportunities in enhancing wear resistance in 3D-printed alloys.

KEYWORDS: Additive manufacturing, metal alloys, tribology, friction, wear resistance, surface roughness, laser powder bed fusion, mechanical properties.