Introduction

Figure 3.1 This 3D printed glass structure, one of several by innovative designer and architect Neri Oxman on display at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, required precise control and materials to maintain structure and produce the texture, strength, and light effects. (credit: modification of “3d printed glass” by walknboston/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Chapter Outline

3.1 Polymer Materials

3.2 Metallic Materials

3.3 Metallic Materials Characteristics

3.4 Ceramics and Other Materials

As AM technology has matured over the last 30 years, a wide range of materials including those with engineering properties are now available. While there are fewer choices than for conventional manufacturing processes, almost all classes of polymers, metals, and ceramics are available such that a product team does not have to rule out the use of AM due to a lack of suitable materials. However, achieving suitable properties is still not guaranteed. In this chapter, we will discuss the primary engineering materials classes: polymers, metals, composites, and ceramics, as well as other materials.