Rapid prototyping: 3D printing and additive manufacturing, principles and applications

Includes index

Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies are developing impressively and are expected to bring about the next revolution. AM is gradually replacing traditional manufacturing methods in some applications because of its unique properties of customisability and versatility. This book provides a very comprehensive and updated text about different types of AM technologies, their respective advantages, shortcomings and potential applications. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing: Principles and Applications is a comprehensive textbook that takes readers inside the world of additive manufacturing. This book introduces the different types of AM technologies, categorised by liquid, solid and powder-based AM systems, the common standards, the trends in the field and many more. Easy to understand, this book is a good introduction to anyone interested in obtaining a better understanding of AM. For people working in the industry, this book will provide information on new methods and practices, as well as recent research and development in the field. For professional readers, this book provides a comprehensive guide to distinguish between the different technologies, and will help them make better decisions regarding which technology they should use. For the general public, this book sheds some light on the fast-moving AM field. In this edition, new AM standards (e.g. Standard of Terminology and Classification of AM systems) and format standards will be included, Furthermore, the listing of new machines and systems, materials, and software; as well as new case studies and applications in industries that have recently adopted AM (such as the Marine and Offshore industry) have also been incorporated.