As an effective metal surface modification technology
laser shock peening (LSP) has shown exciting application prospects in improving the fatigue properties and service life of additively manufactured (AMed) metals. Firstly
the development and classification of LSP technology and AM technology are briefly introduced. Then the research progress of LSP as a post-treatment method to improve the fatigue performance of AMed metals is overviewed
along with the mechanism of improving fatigue performance from the aspects of LSP induced changes in porosity
microstructure and residual stress near the AMed metal surface. Furthermore
the combinational technique that incorporates LSP during AM process to improve the fatigue performance of AMed metals is surveyed
and the reasons for the significant improvement of fatigue performance are analyzed in terms of the in-situ LSP induced surface residual compressive stress and its distribution depth. Finally
the summary and outlook on the research directions of LSP in improving fatigue performance of AMed metals are provided.