Microstructure Engineering Techniques for Additive (META)

Fusion-based additive manufacturing techniques such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), offer a powerful platform for tailoring the microstructure of metallic components in a site-specific manner through localised control of the processing parameters. This capability enables the production of parts that integrate distinct, often incompatible, functionalities within a single build—overcoming the limitations of conventional monolithic materials. As such, this paradigm is particularly well suited for the design and manufacturing of metamaterials, whose properties are both geometry- and microstructure-dependent. In this talk, I will showcase different examples of microstructure control using LPBF. I will discuss the underpinning metallurgical mechanisms and provide practical examples using different steel alloys. Finally, I will discuss the broader implications of this approach for advanced component design in critical engineering sectors.