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.

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 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

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

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 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.

Laser powder bed fusion of metals is a technology that makes use of a laser beam to selectively melt metal powder layer-by-layer in order to fabricate complex geometries in high performance materials. The technology is currently transforming aerospace and biomedical manufacturing and its adoption is widening into other industries as well, including automotive, energy, and traditional manufacturing. With an increase in design freedom brought to bear by additive manufacturing, new opportunities are emerging for designs not possible previously and in material systems that now provide sufficient performance to be qualified in end-use mission-critical applications. After decades of research and development, laser powder bed fusion is now enabling a new era of digitally driven manufacturing. Fundamentals of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals will provide the fundamental principles in a broad range of topics relating to metal laser powder bed fusion. The target audience includes new users, focusing on graduate and undergraduate students; however, this book can also serve as a reference for experienced users as well, including senior researchers and engineers in industry. The current best practices are discussed in detail, as well as the limitations, challenges, and potential research and commercial opportunities moving forward. Presents laser powder bed fusion fundamentals, as well as their inherent challenges Provides an up-to-date summary of this advancing technology and its potential Provides a comprehensive textbook for universities, as well as a reference for industry Acts as quick-reference guide