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Considers efforts to date to produce parts by direct selective laser sintering (SLS) of metals, including post processing to improve structural integrity and/or to induce a transformation. Provides a brief overview of the basic principles of SLS machine operation, and discusses materials issues affecting direct SLS of metals and the resultant properties and microstructures of the parts. Reviews results of past efforts on SLS of metal systems such as Cu‐Sn, Cu‐Solder (Pb‐Sn), Ni‐Sn, pre‐alloyed bronze (Cu‐Sn). Finally discusses more recent efforts on SLS of bronze‐nickel powder mixtures in greater detail.

This paper is a personalised view by the editors of the Rapid Prototyping Journal. It collects their years of experience in a series of observations and experiences that can be considered as a snapshot of where this technology is today. Furthermore, it attempts to predict how the future of Additive Manufacturing will look from the perspective of 3 key elements; applications, materials and design.

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