Freedoms in material choice based on combinatorial design, different directions of process optimization, and computational tools are a significant advantage of additive manufacturing technology. The combination of additive and information technologies enables rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing models on the design stage, thereby significantly accelerating the design cycle in mechanical engineering. Modern and high-demand powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition methods allow obtaining functional complex shapes and functionally graded structures. Until now, the experimental parametric analysis remains as the main method during AM optimization. Therefore, an additional goal of this book is to introduce readers to new modeling and material's optimization approaches in the rapidly changing world of additive manufacturing of high-performance metals and alloys.

Freedoms in material choice based on combinatorial design, different directions of process optimization, and computational tools are a significant advantage of additive manufacturing technology. The combination of additive and information technologies enables rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing models on the design stage, thereby significantly accelerating the design cycle in mechanical engineering. Modern and high-demand powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition methods allow obtaining functional complex shapes and functionally graded structures. Until now, the experimental parametric analysis remains as the main method during AM optimization. Therefore, an additional goal of this book is to introduce readers to new modeling and material's optimization approaches in the rapidly changing world of additive manufacturing of high-performance metals and alloys.

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) of metals and composites using laser energy, direct energy deposition, electron beam methods, and wire arc melting have recently gained importance due to their advantages in fabricating the complex structure. Today, it has become possible to reliably manufacture dense parts with certain AM processes for many materials, including steels, aluminum and titanium alloys, superalloys, metal-based composites, and ceramic matrix composites. In the near future, the AM material variety will most likely grow further, with high-performance materials such as intermetallic compounds and high entropy alloys already under investigation. Additive Manufacturing Applications for Metals and Composites is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on advancing methods and technological developments within additive manufacturing practices. Special attention is paid to the material design of additive manufacturing of parts, the choice of feedstock materials, the metallurgical behavior and synthesis principle during the manufacturing process, and the resulted microstructures and properties, as well as the relationship between these factors. While highlighting topics such as numerical modeling, intermetallic compounds, and statistical techniques, this publication is ideally designed for students, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, technologists, academicians, practitioners, scholars, and educators.

This book entitled “Laser Additive Manufacturing of High-Performance Materials” covers the specific aspects of laser additive manufacturing of high-performance new materials components based on an unconventional materials incremental manufacturing philosophy, in terms of materials design and preparation, process control and optimization and theories of physical and chemical metallurgy. This book describes the capabilities and characteristics of the development of new metallic materials components by laser additive manufacturing process, including nanostructured materials, in situ composite materials, particle reinforced metal matrix composites, etc. The topics presented in this book, similar as laser additive manufacturing technology itself, show a significant interdisciplinary feature, integrating laser technology, materials science, metallurgical engineering and mechanical engineering. This is a book for researchers, students, practicing engineers and manufacturing industry professionals interested in laser additive manufacturing and laser materials processing. Dongdong Gu is a Professor at College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), PR China.

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 advanced 3D printing processes and the latest developments in novel composite-based printing materials, thus enabling the reader to understand and benefit from the advantages of this groundbreaking technology. The rise in ecological anxieties has forced scientists and researchers from all over the world to find novel lightweight materials. Therefore, it is necessary to expand knowledge about the processing, applications, and challenges of 3D printing of composite materials to expanding the range of their application. This book presents an extensive survey on recent improvements in the research and development of additive manufacturing technologies that are used to make composite structures for various applications such as electronic, aerospace, construction, and biomedical applications. Advanced printing techniques including fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), inkjet 3D printing (3DP), stereolithography (SLA), and 3D plotting will be covered and discussed thoroughly in this book. This book also focuses the recent advances and challenges in polymer nanocomposite and introduces potential applications of these materials in various sectors.