10. Summary and Prospective View

Researches on laser-based additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic components are interdisciplinary, integrating laser technology, materials science, mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering, etc. For the powder bed-based AM processes, i.e., selective laser melting (SLM) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), significant research and understanding are still required in the aspects of materials preparation and characterization, process control and optimization, microstructural and mechanical properties evaluation, and theories of physical and chemical metallurgy. This chapter summarizes the main findings of this book concerning SLM and DMLS production of new materials components, including nanostructured material, in situ composite material, particle reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs), etc. The issues that are of particular significance for the future development of laser-based AM technology are also proposed.