Chapter 1

Fundamentals of Additive Manufacturing

Read chapter 1 in the book

Summary

AM is akin to a family of children where each child is a different age and they are not all maturing at the same rate but eventually, they will become strong contributors to society. It is important to keep this kinetic mindset as you progress through the different chapters of the book. Here are four Ds to remember to prepare you for all the new AM technologies and improvements Disruptive - AM doesn’t work like previous methods of manufacturing.

Chapter 2

Core AM Technologies and Supporting Processes

Read chapter 2 in the book

Summary

The most common processes are vat-based processes, powder processes, liquid addition processes, molten material processes, and solid material processes. Choices for AM technology are extensive and distinct, with each option offering unique benefits and extensive processes. Each requires expertise and equipment to bring to bear the proper materials and energy source. Within each AM technology there may be dedicated steps that are highly specific to that application, such as recoating in a powder-process.

Key terms

most common processes

vat-based processes, powder processes, liquid addition processes, molten material processes, and solid material processes

Chapter 3

AM Materials

Read chapter 3 in the book

Summary

It is clear that there are many materials available for AM, but in the larger world of engineered materials used in final applications, only a few dozen materials are regularly deployed for long-use AM components. While the availability of high-quality filaments poses a barrier to bringing new thermoplastic materials into AM, the use of pellet extrusion AM is highly desirable as this feedstock is widely used in the plastics… This gap provides a tremendous opportunity for innovation in customizing material feedstocks for AM as well as exploring AM processes to bring new materials into the AM space. Polymers, metals, ceramics, and many different types of composite materials are being pursued for commercial deployment in AM and research is continuing at the intersection of AM processes and materials.

Key terms

use of pellet extrusion AM

highly desirable as this feedstock is widely used in the plastics…

few dozen materials

regularly deployed for long-use AM components

Chapter 4

Design for Additive Manufacturing

Read chapter 4 in the book

Summary

MfAM of parts is a common transition when a company is working to leverage all the benefits of AM. Mainly this includes MfAM of features to ensure that an AM part is able to be fabricated successfully, in which the main drivers are cost and time savings. In summary, it is important to note AM design terminology and how they apply to product benefits Direct Part Conversion - Reproducing a conventionally manufactured product using AM

Key terms

AM part

able to be fabricated successfully, in which the main drivers are cost and time savings

common transition when a company

working to leverage all the benefits of AM

Chapter 5

Certification

Read chapter 5 in the book

Summary

As we now begin to cover qualification, it is important to keep in mind that the primary goal of qualification is demonstrating that the production system (factory, personnel, AM machines, post-processing, feedstock… Certifying a system containing AM parts from engineering materials requires an understanding of the properties of the material as a function of composition, processing, and environmental effects on the part and the… Certification ensures a component meets specified requirements, which are defined according to industry, material, regulatory agencies, and other factors. The process begins with defining system requirements by stakeholders (e.g., customers, users, and regulators) and proceeds through design, manufacturing, testing, and certification phases.

Key terms

primary goal of qualification

demonstrating that the production system (factory, personnel, AM machines, post-processing, feedstock…

Chapter 6

Additive Manufacturing Qualification

Read chapter 6 in the book

Summary

Qualification in additive manufacturing (AM) ensures that machines, facilities, personnel, and feedstock meet stringent requirements for consistent, reliable production. It aligns closely with certification but focuses on production readiness. Qualification: Verifies that an organization has comprehensive quality systems, approved AM processes, and related equipment.

Chapter 7

The Additive Manufacturing Digital Thread

Read chapter 7 in the book

Summary

Certainly as you continue on the journey of understanding and applying the lessons of this textbook, keeping in mind the AM digital thread is an important element to further enhance your ability to leverage the… One of the principal trends moving the pace of development forward is that computing power, wireless connectivity, and the internet have allowed sensors and integration platforms to become less expensive. Even though there is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to the 3D printing Digital Thread the long term implications of the potential will continue to drive innovation in the space. The key learnings from this chapter rest fundamentally on being able to assess the digital data being generated at each step of the additive manufacturing workflow and being able to tie this information back to…

Key terms

pace of development forward

that computing power, wireless connectivity, and the internet have allowed sensors and integration platforms to become less expensive

AM digital thread

an important element to further enhance your ability to leverage the…

Chapter 8

The Business of Additive Manufacturing

Read chapter 8 in the book

Summary

Humans have carved things out of rock and wood, or formed parts from metal for centuries. While there are some foundations and borrowed technology from casting, powder metallurgy and polymer manufacturing, how we define a layer; how we use energy and how we input feedstock mix together to create this… Ultimately, understanding the economics of AM unleashes its potential, but also requires asking and answering a series of questions.