Introduction

Figure 2.1 The Patent that ignited an industry. Chuck Hull’s patent titled, “Apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography” became the first commercial patent associated with a new technology known as stereolithography. Stereolithography, as a process, was the beginning of modern additive manufacturing and is still largely used today for prototyping and other applications in thousands of factories, schools, and other environments. (Credit: Charles A Hull, Patent US4575330, retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US4575330A/en)

Chapter Outline

2.1 Processes and Process Organization

2.2 Vat-based Processes

2.3 Powder Bed Processes

2.4 Liquid-Addition Processes

2.5 Molten Material-Addition Processes

2.6 Solid Material-Addition Processes

2.7 Supporting Processes

Within this chapter, we will walk through the various technologies and supporting processes used in additive manufacturing. These will include additive polymer, metallic and ceramic processes. In addition, we will present supporting technologies that transform AM from initially fabricated object to the completed part.