Preliminary characterization of the microstructure of Al/SiCp composites prepared by Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) was analyzed, and the microhardness and wear behavior of the materials manufactured have been evaluated. It has been determined that the combined effect of the laser speed and power is decisive for the fabrication process. The microstructure characterization shows that the presence of hygroscopic Al4C3 can be avoided by adding Ti to the composite matrix. The wear behavior of the LMD samples and their microhardness have been compared with Powder Metallurgy samples with the same composition. The LMD samples showed higher hardness and wear resistance.
Keywords: SiC particles; additive manufacturing; aluminum matrix composites; laser metal deposition; titanium.