Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) critically depends on the quality and design of metallic feedstocks. Powder characteristics, including particle size distribution, morphology, chemical composition, surface condition, and internal defects, directly influence process stability, melt pool dynamics, defect formation, and ultimately the mechanical performance of additively manufactured components.

This special issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for recent advances in metallic feedstock engineering for LPBF. Topics of interest include powder production routes (atomization, mechanical alloying, and surface modification), tailored alloy and composite powder design, powder recycling and degradation mechanisms, qualification strategies, and standardization approaches. Contributions addressing process–structure–property relationships, multiscale modeling, in situ monitoring related to feedstock behavior, and the impact of powder characteristics on fatigue, reliability, and long-term performance are particularly welcome. By bridging materials design, powder qualification, and component performance, this Special Issue seeks to advance a deeper understanding of how feedstock engineering enables robust, reproducible, and high-performance LPBF manufacturing.