The feature of aluminum alloy SLM: high machineability and ductility, good strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum is a metal with good strength-to-weight ratio, high thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity, low density and natural weather resistance.

Aluminum alloy has excellent physical, chemical and mechanical properties and has been widely used in many fields. However, the characteristics of aluminum alloy increased the difficulty of selective laser melting manufacturing. Such as the easy oxidation, high reflectivity and thermal conductivity.

At present, there are many problems remaining in SLM formed aluminum alloys, such as oxidation, residual stress, void defects, and density. These problems are mainly improved and solved by strictly protecting atmosphere, increasing laser power, and reducing scanning speed. Nowadays, the Al-Si-Mg series alloy is the main material of SLM forming aluminum alloy, and the representative ones are aluminum-silicon AlSi12 and AlSi10Mg.

Al-Si 12 is a lightweight additive manufacturing metal powder with good thermal properties. AL-Si12 can be applied to thin-walled parts, such as Heat Exchangers or other auto parts, and it can also be used in aerospace and aviation industry-level prototypes and production parts. The combination of silicon or magnesium makes the aluminum alloy stronger and harder, making it suitable for thin-walled and complex geometrical parts, especially in applications with good thermal performance and low weight.