Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a sophisticated form of additive manufacturing that allows the straightforward creation of complex, high-precision metal parts with a digital design. The paper will provide an in-depth examination of the SLM processing of various metals and alloys, including steels, titanium, aluminium, nickel, and metal matrix alloys and composites, in their applications and their suitability for critical applications such as aerospace, automotive, engineering, and biomedical fields. The paper focuses on material-related issues, including porosity, cracking, and residual stress, and the current state of the art in the optimization of the processes and the innovation of materials. The results highlight the increasing possibility of a reliable, efficient, and versatile solution for next-generation manufacturing by SLM.