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Abstract
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Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are considered as advanced materials possess unique physical and mechanical properties. Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D-printing, is process of joining materials to make objects from three-dimensional model data, usually layer-by-layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies. AM provides an opportunity of producing MMC parts from pre-ceramic metal intermixed powder or by in-situ processing of pure metal powders reacting with gasses to form ceramic reinforced structures. In recent decades, substantial progress has been made in the understanding, development and utilization of AM processes of MMCs in different industries including architectural, medical, dental, aerospace and automotive to provide new chances in the manufacturing of highly complex, mass-customized structures with negligible wastes. Common AM techniques used for MMCs fabrications are fusion-based method including powder bed fusion and direct energy deposition as well as non-beam-based method including binder-jet 3D-printing. The processing and manufacturing steps for each AM technique are introduced and compared with each other. Finally, based on the AM technique and starting materials, important limitations and challenges are identified to motivate the future research of 3D-printing from MMCs.
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