Research progress on selective laser melting (SLM) of magnesium alloys: a review

Selective laser melting (SLM) technology has broad prospects and important significance for developing high-performance and complex structural materials. Magnesium alloy, as one of the lightest structural materials, is well known to have high bio-compatibility, excellent specific strength and specific stiffness. Therefore, significant progress has been made on processing parameters and the structures of the SLM fabricated Mg alloys. We review the current state of research and progress from different perspectives of the SLM, SLM parameters, metallurgical process and microstructure evolution, metallurgical defects, and mechanical properties as well as corrosion properties in order to provide a basis for follow-on-research that leads to the development of high productivity. In addition, the problems in the research and future development of SLMed Mg alloys are also discussed in the final part.