3D printing is rapidly emerging as a key manufacturing technique that is capable of serving a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from engineering to biomedical sectors. Its ability to form both simple and intricate shapes through computer-controlled graphics enables it to create a niche in the manufacturing sector. Key challenges remain, and a great deal of research is required to develop 3D printing technology for all classes of materials including polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites. In view of the growing importance of 3D manufacturing worldwide, this Special Issue aims to seek original articles to further assist in the development of this promising technology from both scientific and technological perspectives. Targeted reviews, including mini-reviews, are also welcome, as they play a crucial role in educating students and young researchers.

Manufacturing Process Selection Handbook provides engineers and designers with process knowledge and the essential technological and cost data to guide the selection of manufacturing processes early in the product development cycle. Building on content from the authors' earlier introductory Process Selection guide, this expanded handbook begins with the challenges and benefits of identifying manufacturing processes in the design phase and appropriate strategies for process selection. The bulk of the book is then dedicated to concise coverage of different manufacturing processes, providing a quick reference guide for easy comparison and informed decision making. For each process examined, the book considers key factors driving selection decisions, including: - Basic process descriptions with simple diagrams to illustrate - Notes on material suitability - Notes on available process variations - Economic considerations such as costs and production rates - Typical applications and product examples - Notes on design aspects and quality issues Providing a quick and effective reference for the informed selection of manufacturing processes with suitable characteristics and capabilities, Manufacturing Process Selection Handbook is intended to quickly develop or refresh your experience of selecting optimal processes and costing design alternatives in the context of concurrent engineering. It is an ideal reference for those working in mechanical design across a variety of industries and a valuable learning resource for advanced students undertaking design modules and projects as part of broader engineering programs. - Provides manufacturing process information maps (PRIMAs) provide detailed information on the characteristics and capabilities of 65 processes in a standard format - Includes process capability charts detailing the processing tolerance ranges for key material types - Offers detailed methods for estimating costs, both at the component and assembly level

Rapid Prototyping of Biomaterials: Principles and Applications provides a comprehensive review of established and emerging rapid prototyping technologies (such as bioprinting) for medical applications. Rapid prototyping, also known as layer manufacturing, additive manufacturing, solid freeform fabrication, or 3D printing, can be used to create complex structures and devices for medical applications from solid, powder, or liquid precursors. Following a useful introduction, which provides an overview of the field, the book explores rapid prototyping of nanoscale biomaterials, biosensors, artificial organs, and prosthetic limbs. Further chapters consider the use of rapid prototyping technologies for the processing of viable cells, scaffolds, and tissues. With its distinguished editor and international team of renowned contributors, Rapid Prototyping of Biomaterials is a useful technical resource for scientists and researchers in the biomaterials and tissue regeneration industry, as well as in academia. - Comprehensive review of established and emerging rapid prototyping technologies (such as bioprinting) for medical applications - Chapters explore rapid prototyping of nanoscale biomaterials, biosensors, artificial organs, and prosthetic limbs - Examines the use of rapid prototyping technologies for the processing of viable cells, scaffolds, and tissues

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.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a highly promising rapid manufacturing process. Based on incremental layer-upon-layer deposits, three dimensional components of high geometrical complexity can be produced; applications ranging from aerospace and automotive to biomedical industries. Laser, electron beam and wire-based techniques are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on 3D inkjet printing of metals, which is reviewed here in great depth and for the first time. This is an ambient temperature technology which offers some unique advantages for printing metals and alloys, as well as composite and functionally graded materials. Material selection guidelines are presented and the various deposition techniques and post-printing treatments are discussed; together with the resulting properties of the printed components: Density, shrinkage, resolution and surface roughness, porosity-related and mechanical properties, as well as biological properties The various metal printing techniques are compared with each other and case studies are referred to. Additive Manufacturing, Inkjet Printing of Metals, 3D Printed Components, Laser Melting, Laser Sintering, Laser Powder Deposition, Material Selection Guidelines for Inkjet Printing of Metals, Biological Properties of AM Metals, Surface Properties of AM Metals, Porosity of AM Metals, Shrinkage of AM Metals, Mechanical of Properties of AM Metals, Density of Properties of AM Metals

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.

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing, manufacturing a product layer by layer, offers large design freedom and faster product development cycles, as well as low startup cost of production, on-demand production and local production. In principle, any product could be made by additive manufacturing. Even food and living organic cells can be printed. We can create, design and manufacture what we want at the location we want. 3D printing will create a revolution in manufacturing, a real paradigm change. 3D printing holds the promise to manufacture with less waste and energy. We can print metals, ceramics, sand, synthetic materials such as plastics, food or living cells. However, the production of plastics is nowadays based on fossil fuels. And that’s where we witness a paradigm change too. The production of these synthetic materials can be based also on biomaterials with biomass as feedstock. A wealth of new and innovative products are emerging when we combine these two paradigm changes: 3D printing and biomaterials. Moreover, the combination of 3D printing with biomaterials holds the promise to realize a truly sustainable and circular economy.