Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as rapid prototyping or 3D printing, generally refers to techniques that produce three-dimensional parts by adding material gradually in a layer by layer fashion. In this sense, AM differs fundamentally from forming and subtractive techniques. This special issue intends to put together research and developments in AM, particularly related to new manufacturing processes and/or to alternative feedstock materials and products. Polymer and metal-based raw materials and products have been extensively investigated in AM techniques. Recently, ceramic, glass, and composite materials have been additionally used both in commercial and in innovative AM processes. The material compositions and processing steps used for shaping or finishing the structure of AM products are responsible for final properties and performance. Recent advances in sensors, micromechanics, computational modelling, and simulation have enhanced AM technologies. As complex parts become easier to build and the equipment and skills needed to build them become more and more common, innovative approaches are achievable. Additionally, this evolution opens up new fields of application, moving it from being a prototyping tool to a final product manufacturing process (rapid manufacturing).
This special issue explores the development of new products and applications through AM processes. Selected investigations contributed to this issue with original research that analyze feedstock materials, process parameters, and their effects on mechanical, physical, and other properties in prototypes or customized parts fabricated by AM techniques.
The topics presented in this issue include diverse materials manufactured by representative AM processes, as summarized below:
advanced ceramics by 3D Printing or Direct Inkjet Printing,
metals and alloys by Direct Metal Laser Sintering or Laser Beam Melting,
polymers by Selective Laser Sintering.
We hope that readers of Advances in Mechanical Engineering will find in this special issue not only accurate data and updated information on improvement of process steps and material systems for Additive Manufacturing, but also important questions addressed such as sustainability, affordability, and reliability issues.