Classification of Metal Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Abstract

Three-dimensional printing, widely known as additive manufacturing and metal additive manufacturing (MAM), forms part of manufacturing technology. It has gained attention in the last couple of years due to its high-efficiency manufacturing abilities. MAM can be classified either by different feedstocks, such as powder or wire, or different energy inputs (laser, electron beam and ultrasonication), which bond layers together during manufacturing. Understanding the different feedstock quality and different energy inputs of MAM processes will enable manufacturing companies to produce parts with the complex geometries and shapes that are now theoretically possible. Furthermore, this will minimise design limitations based on material selection, operating environment, and application. There are currently four MAM processes, namely: powder bed fusion, direct energy deposition, binder jetting printing, and sheet lamination. The process principles of these MAM processes are discussed, and the mechanical properties of materials fabricated with these processes were compared comprehensively.