Kekana, NeoShongwe, Mxolisi BrendonMpofu, KhumbulaniMuvunzi, Rumbidzai2025-02-142025-02-142024-07-232076-3417 (E)https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156519https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14519/1372In this study, AlSi12 alloy samples were produced via the selective laser melting (SLM) technique to produce high-density components with complex and customized parts for railway applications. Nonetheless, the production of dense samples necessitates the optimization of production process parameters. As a statistical design of the experimental method, response surface methodology was applied to optimize different combinations of SLM parameters. The outcomes were analyzed via analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal-to-noise(S/N) ratios. The relationship between the hardness response to the process parameters (scanning speed and laser power) for determining the optimal processing conditions were examined. A hardness value of 133 HV was obtained. The process parameters were successfully optimized and the relationship between the parameters and the structures of the fabricated samples were reported.1-12 PagesenAttribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/Selective laser meltingANOVAMechanical propertiesMicrostructureResponse surface methodologyArticle