This book offers a unique guide to the three-dimensional (3D) printing of metals. It covers various aspects of additive, subtractive, and joining processes used to form three-dimensional parts with applications ranging from prototyping to production. Examining a variety of manufacturing technologies and their ability to produce both prototypes and functional production-quality parts, the individual chapters address metal components and discuss some of the important research challenges associated with the use of these technologies. As well as exploring the latest technologies currently under development, the book features unique sections on electron beam melting technology, material lifting, and the importance this science has in the engineering context. Presenting unique real-life case studies from industry, this book is also the first to offer the perspective of engineers who work in the field of aerospace and transportation systems, and who design components and manufacturing networks. Written by the leading experts in this field at universities and in industry, it provides a comprehensive textbook for students and an invaluable guide for practitioners

This engaging volume presents the exciting new technology of additive manufacturing (AM) of metal objects for a broad audience of academic and industry researchers, manufacturing professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, hobbyists, and artists. Innovative applications ranging from rocket nozzles to custom jewelry to medical implants illustrate a new world of freedom in design and fabrication, creating objects otherwise not possible by conventional means. The author describes the various methods and advanced metals used to create high value components, enabling readers to choose which process is best for them. Of particular interest is how harnessing the power of lasers, electron beams, and electric arcs, as directed by advanced computer models, robots, and 3D printing systems, can create otherwise unattainable objects. A timeline depicting the evolution of metalworking, accelerated by the computer and information age, ties AM metal technology to the rapid evolution of global technology trends. Charts, diagrams, and illustrations complement the text to describe the diverse set of technologies brought together in the AM processing of metal. Extensive listing of terms, definitions, and acronyms provides the reader with a quick reference guide to the language of AM metal processing. The book directs the reader to a wealth of internet sites providing further reading and resources, such as vendors and service providers, to jump start those interested in taking the first steps to establishing AM metal capability on whatever scale. The appendix provides hands-on example exercises for those ready to engage in experiential self-directed learning.

Laser Additive Manufacturing: Materials, Design, Technologies, and Applications provides the latest information on this highly efficient method of layer-based manufacturing using metals, plastics, or composite materials. The technology is particularly suitable for the production of complex components with high precision for a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical engineering. This book provides a comprehensive review of the technology and its range of applications. Part One looks at materials suitable for laser AM processes, with Part Two discussing design strategies for AM. Parts Three and Four review the most widely-used AM technique, powder bed fusion (PBF) and discuss other AM techniques, such as directed energy deposition, sheet lamination, jetting techniques, extrusion techniques, and vat photopolymerization. The final section explores the range of applications of laser AM. - Provides a comprehensive one-volume overview of advances in laser additive manufacturing - Presents detailed coverage of the latest techniques used for laser additive manufacturing - Reviews both established and emerging areas of application

This book is a technical introduction to additive manufacturing (AM) with a focus on powder bed fusion and metals. It provides the theory and industry-based practices to design, make, and test metal components via AM. After outlining the methods and materials of powder bed methods, the book explains the workings and physical limitations of electron beam and laser melt technologies in manufacturing parts, using a variety of metal powders. In this context, the physics of powder melting is described, as well as the effects of temperature variables on the properties of a part. The critical elements of how powder feedstock is chosen and formulated are explained. Processing methods are described using original design and engineering parameters developed by the author. Information is provided on current test methods of metals produced by AM, as well as how to carry out quality control, monitor reliability, and implement safety standards. For process design, a section is devoted to modeling.Each chapter includes a set of problems for students and practitioners that reflect metals' fabrication in industry.

Science, Technology and Applications of Metal Additive Manufacturing provides a holistic picture of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) that encompasses the science, technology and applications for the use of metal AM. Users will find design aspects, various metal AM technologies commercially available, a focus on merits and demerits, implications for qualification and certification, applications, cost modeling of AM, and future directions. This book serves as an educational guide, providing a holistic picture of metal AM that encompasses science, technology and applications for the real-life use of metal AM. - Includes an overall understanding of metal additive manufacturing, Including steps involved (process flow) - Discusses available commercial metal AM technologies and their relative strengths and weaknesses - Reviews the process of qualification of AM parts, various applications, cost modeling, and the future directions of metal AM

This textbook covers in detail digitally-driven methods for adding materials together to form parts. A conceptual overview of additive manufacturing is given, beginning with the fundamentals so that readers can get up to speed quickly. Well-established and emerging applications such as rapid prototyping, micro-scale manufacturing, medical applications, aerospace manufacturing, rapid tooling and direct digital manufacturing are also discussed. This book provides a comprehensive overview of additive manufacturing technologies as well as relevant supporting technologies such as software systems, vacuum casting, investment casting, plating, infiltration and other systems. Reflects recent developments and trends and adheres to the ASTM, SI and other standards; Includes chapters on topics that span the entire AM value chain, including process selection, software, post-processing, industrial drivers for AM, and more; Provides a broad range of technical questions to ensure comprehensive understanding of the concepts covered.

Design for Additive Manufacturing is a complete guide to design tools for the manufacturing requirements of AM and how they can enable the optimization of process and product parameters for the reduction of manufacturing costs and effort. This timely synopsis of state-of-the-art design tools for AM brings the reader right up-to-date on the latest methods from both academia and industry. Tools for both metallic and polymeric AM technologies are presented and critically reviewed, along with their manufacturing attributes. Commercial applications of AM are also explained with case studies from a range of industries, thus demonstrating best-practice in AM design. - Covers all the commonly used tools for designing for additive manufacturing, as well as descriptions of important emerging technologies - Provides systematic methods for optimizing AM process selection for specific production requirement - Addresses design tools for both metallic and polymeric AM technologies - Includes commercially relevant case studies that showcase best-practice in AM design, including the biomedical, aerospace, defense and automotive sectors

METAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING A comprehensive review of additive manufacturing processes for metallic structures Additive Manufacturing (AM)—also commonly referred to as 3D printing—builds three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. Recent years have seen unprecedented investment in additive manufacturing research and development by governments and corporations worldwide. This technology has the potential to replace many conventional manufacturing processes, enable the development of new industry practices, and transform the entire manufacturing enterprise. Metal Additive Manufacturing provides an up-to-date review of all essential physics of metal additive manufacturing techniques with emphasis on both laser-based and non-laser-based additive manufacturing processes. This comprehensive volume covers fundamental processes and equipment, governing physics and modelling, design and topology optimization, and more. The text adresses introductory, intermediate, and advanced topics ranging from basic additive manufacturing process classification to practical and material design aspects of additive manufacturability. Written by a panel of expert authors in the field, this authoritative resource: Provides a thorough analysis of AM processes and their theoretical foundations Explains the classification, advantages, and applications of AM processes Describes the equipment required for different AM processes for metallic structures, including laser technologies, positioning devices, feeder and spreader mechanisms, and CAD software Discusses the opportunities, challenges, and current and emerging trends within the field Covers practical considerations, including design for AM, safety, quality assurance, automation, and real-time control of AM processes Includes illustrative cases studies and numerous figures and tables Featuring material drawn from the lead author’s research and professional experience on laser additive manufacturing, Metal Additive Manufacturing is an important source for manufacturing professionals, research and development engineers in the additive industry, and students and researchers involved in mechanical, mechatronics, automatic control, and materials engineering and science.

This book provides a solid background for understanding the immediate past, the ongoing present, and the emerging trends of additive manufacturing, with an emphasis on innovations and advances in its use for a wide spectrum of manufacturing applications. It contains contributions from leading authors in the field, who view the research and development progress of additive manufacturing techniques from the unique angle of developing high-performance composites and other complex material parts. It is a valuable reference book for scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who are seeking technologically novel and economically viable innovations for high-performance materials and critical applications. It can also benefit graduate students and post-graduate fellows majoring in mechanical, manufacturing, and material sciences, as well as biomedical engineering.

This book covers in detail the various aspects of joining materials to form parts. A conceptual overview of rapid prototyping and layered manufacturing is given, beginning with the fundamentals so that readers can get up to speed quickly. Unusual and emerging applications such as micro-scale manufacturing, medical applications, aerospace, and rapid manufacturing are also discussed. This book provides a comprehensive overview of rapid prototyping technologies as well as support technologies such as software systems, vacuum casting, investment casting, plating, infiltration and other systems. This book also: Reflects recent developments and trends and adheres to the ASTM, SI, and other standards Includes chapters on automotive technology, aerospace technology and low-cost AM technologies Provides a broad range of technical questions to ensure comprehensive understanding of the concepts covered