Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a high-power laser to melt and fuse metallic powders layer by layer, enabling the production of near-net-shape components with high density. This review summarizes the SLM process, physical phenomena involved, and applications of SLM in various materials, including metals, ceramics, and composites. SLM has been shown to produce components with relative densities up to 99.9%, making it suitable for functional parts without post-processing. Recent advancements in laser technology have enabled SLM to process a wide range of materials, including copper, aluminum, and tungsten, as well as ceramics and composites. The review discusses the mechanical properties of SLM parts, such as strength, hardness, and surface roughness, and highlights the potential of SLM in medical, aerospace, and automotive applications. It also addresses challenges such as balling, thermal fluctuations, and residual stress, and proposes solutions to mitigate these issues. The review emphasizes the importance of optimizing process parameters, such as laser power, scanning speed, and layer thickness, to achieve high-quality SLM parts. The study concludes that SLM has significant potential for future research and development in additive manufacturing.Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a high-power laser to melt and fuse metallic powders layer by layer, enabling the production of near-net-shape components with high density. This review summarizes the SLM process, physical phenomena involved, and applications of SLM in various materials, including metals, ceramics, and composites. SLM has been shown to produce components with relative densities up to 99.9%, making it suitable for functional parts without post-processing. Recent advancements in laser technology have enabled SLM to process a wide range of materials, including copper, aluminum, and tungsten, as well as ceramics and composites. The review discusses the mechanical properties of SLM parts, such as strength, hardness, and surface roughness, and highlights the potential of SLM in medical, aerospace, and automotive applications. It also addresses challenges such as balling, thermal fluctuations, and residual stress, and proposes solutions to mitigate these issues. The review emphasizes the importance of optimizing process parameters, such as laser power, scanning speed, and layer thickness, to achieve high-quality SLM parts. The study concludes that SLM has significant potential for future research and development in additive manufacturing.