INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 3D-PRINTED METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has revolutionized the fabrication of metal matrix composites (MMCs) by enabling complex geometries and tailored material properties. MMCs are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and defense applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and superior mechanical performance. This study investigates the mechanical properties of 3Dprinted MMC specimens fabricated with aluminum as the matrix and ceramic particles as reinforcement. Specimens are produced using selective laser melting (SLM) with varying printing parameters such as layer thickness, laser power, and scan speed. Tensile, compressive, hardness, and impact tests are conducted to evaluate the performance of the printed composites. Microstructural analysis is performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to correlate material structure with mechanical behavior. The results indicate a significant improvement in strength and hardness compared to unreinforced aluminum specimens. The study demonstrates that 3D printing parameters strongly influence mechanical performance, with optimized settings providing superior structural properties. The findings highlight the potential of 3D-printed MMCs for highperformance engineering applications, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to conventional manufacturing techniques.