ABSTRACT
Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology has received a lot of interest in recent years because of its potential to revolutionized manufacturing processes, especially in the area of tribological applications. This study investigates the rising trends and possibilities of LPBF in the field of tribology, with an emphasis on its use in the development of wear-resistant components and coatings. The paper starts with an introduction of LPBF technology and its current status in tribological applications, emphasizing its benefits such as precise control over material composition, microstructure, and shape. It then goes into emerging developments, such as material improvements, process optimization, and post-processing procedures designed expressly for tribological needs. This chapter analyses the use of LPBF in materials such as metal matrix composites, ceramics, and polymers to produce customized and complicated geometries, solving unique tribological difficulties in diverse sectors. It looks at how to use computational modelling and artificial intelligence to optimize LPBF settings for better tribological performance. The study also analyses the sustainability elements of LPBF, considering the reduction in material waste and energy usage, both of which are in line with future manufacturing trends. This review work sheds light on the prospective future of LPBF technology in developing tribological applications, paving the path for more efficient, durable, and renewable components and coatings.
