Additive Manufacturing: The 3D Print Revolution

Additive manufacturing encompasses a group of innovative technologies, the best known being 3D printing, that form the core of a new industrial revolution. To stay competitive in today's marketplace, manufacturers are embracing these highly technical computer-controlled processes for efficient, cost-effective solutions to product flow that far surpass traditional manufacturing methods. This handbook examines the full range of additive manufacturing processes and explores how each method facilitates production and increases profitability from initial concept, design development, and rapid prototyping to testing, parts verification, and the final product. Dr. Sabrie Soloman is an internationally renowned scholar and industry leader in the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies. He covers the fundamentals, methodologies, and materials involved in this innovative technology, concluding with a discussion of successful applications in the commercial, military, medical, and micro-electronics sectors. Readers will gain the knowledge they need to be conversant in current additive manufacturing processes and to become involved in the future growth of this game-changing technology. FEATURES The full range of additive manufacturing technologies is examined - aerosol jet printing, 3D bio- printing, composite filament fabrication, direct digital manufacturing, fused deposition modeling, laminated object manufacturing, multi-material jet extrusion, electron beam melting, photocuring, selective laser sintering, stereolithography, xenographic printing, and more. In-depth coverage of how additive manufacturing processes facilitate production and increase profitability, from initial concept to the final product, provides readers with essential knowledge of the fundamentals, methodologies, and materials involved in this game-changing technology. A discussion of current and future applications - from creating simply parts to complex components - includes commercial, military, relief, national security, medical, and micro-electronics operations. More than 200 images, illustrations, and tables enhance reading comprehension. Valuable resources include appendixes, a comprehensive glossary, and extensive bibliography with key Web addresses.