IntechOpen Additive Manufacturing - Present and Sustainable Future, Materials and Applications (Industrial Engineering and Management)

This book brings together the work of researchers, engineers, and professionals from diverse fields whose collective expertise highlights the inherently interdisciplinary nature of additive manufacturing technologies. Additive manufacturing (AM) has evolved far beyond its origins as a set of experimental prototyping techniques. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, offering unmatched design flexibility, efficient material utilization, and the ability to create geometrically complex components that would be impossible using conventional methods. The contributions compiled in this volume provide a comprehensive overview of both fundamental principles and cutting-edge advances in additive manufacturing. By covering topics ranging from process optimization and hybrid material development to design for additive manufacturing and advanced post-processing strategies, this book offers valuable insights into the entire lifecycle of additively manufactured components. Special attention is given to the growing role of AM in high-impact sectors such as aerospace, biomedical engineering, automotive manufacturing, and sustainable production. In these fields, AM enables cost reduction and shorter lead times and facilitates the creation of customized, high-performance components tailored to specific applications. Furthermore, integrating computational modelling, process simulation, and artificial intelligence enhances process reliability and product quality. As industries face increasing pressure to minimize environmental impact, additive manufacturing stands out as a key enabler of sustainable innovation. Its ability to minimize material waste, reduce energy consumption, and enable circular manufacturing processes makes AM an essential technology for the future of production. This book is intended for researchers, engineers, graduate students, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of additive manufacturing and its transformative potential across multiple disciplines and industries.