Software limitations: The commercially available software packages for the design of AM parts, support structure development, and interfacing with AM machines have limitations in assessing the feasibility of prints and identifying process constraints. In many cases, the ideas that are conceived and created in 3D modeling software exhibit major challenges to be printed mainly due to the issues with process constraints that are not included in the design. In addition, the current workflow software has limitations when it comes to AM to track individual items through each stage of the process to manage resources and delivery timelines. Another issue is associated with inter‐ and intra‐communication and collaboration that depends on the quality of information and transmission methods. The current software and hardware still need more improvements to facilitate timely communication in AM.
Initial financial investments: One of the major barriers for metal AM adoption is a substantial investment needed to AM capital and ecosystem to deploy it to production. The AM ecosystem covers software, materials, experts, post‐processing equipment, certification as well as training for employees. This investment could be enormous hindering companies from embracing this technology effectively. One solution to this challenge is to rely mainly on AM service companies to integrate into the supply chain to derisk the AM adoption in the early stage. University and R&D centers can play an important role in providing fundamental R&D required as well as training platforms for companies that are trying to adopt AM but cannot invest in it significantly.
Security: AM is fully integrated into the digital world; thus, its cyber–physical nature has raised major concerns. When AM has promoted globally distributed manufacturing, the existence of hackers is a reality. They can tweak the AM designs to create intentional defects that are not simply detectable but have catastrophic consequences while being used in actual systems. The vulnerabilities and large‐scale jobs conducted by commercial AM services may inherently be difficult to substantiate the quality of printed parts. The process and supply chains must firewall to address these security concerns. These measures could be the same as other manufacturing industries such as electronic printing; however, due to typical applications of AM‐made parts in critical applications such as jet engines, special validation procedures need to be developed to give assurance that the parts are not affected by the malicious attack in terms of intentional undetectable design alterations.
Skillsets gap: AM experts' shortage is one of the main challenges in industry. Lack of understanding and expertise in AM is a critical factor in the AM adoption. There are a very limited workforce and highly qualified personnel to work and develop an entry strategy for new companies that want to embrace AM. A thorough understanding of AM capabilities prevents major misconceptions while introducing challenges correctly to decision‐makers. The knowledge gap at the moment is significant as companies have difficulties in developing effective and meaningful business cases for metal AM. Since AM needs a new design platform, mechanical engineers who have been trained to design for traditional manufacturing cannot effectively undertake design for AM. They will require a steep learning curve to master it. Their mindset must be changed through training and education. Overall, learning about the capabilities and limitations of metal AM will aid companies in developing meaningful and successful applications for the technology.
A few measures to address the current gap are to develop a degree level program at different universities and colleges. The program should include a holistic curriculum that covers a vast range of areas. Designing such curriculums is of great challenge. In addition, industry certification programs should be developed when each module of the programs is taught by experts from around the world. Promoting AM consultancies is another great way to foster knowledge transfer. In addition, AM conferences and webinars are playing critical roles to fill the skillsets gap.
1.8 Looking Ahead
This textbook includes 12 chapters. In Chapter 1, an overview of metal AM, its applications, opportunities, and challenges are provided at a high level.
Chapter 2 provides further detail on metal AM processes, their advantages and disadvantages. The chapter also lists critical process parameters in three main metal AM processes (DED, PBF, and BJ), while pinpointing the importance of the use of combined parameters in process development.
Chapter 3 highlights the major subsystems used in metal AM processes. This chapter particularly explains how a laser system works while highlighting different classes of lasers and also laser beam properties. The chapter also explains about electron beam as a major source of energy for AM processes. This chapter sheds some light on different material delivery systems, including powder feeders. In addition, some basic information on the digital files needed for AM processes is provided.
Chapter 4 starts with the fundamental of laser and e‐beam material processing. It then covers major physics associated with DED processes with a particular focus on LDED. The chapter entails several case studies for modeling and analysis of DED processes such as powder‐fed LDED and wire‐fed DED.
Chapter 5 customizes the physics discussed for PBF processes such as LPBF and EPBF. It also sheds some light on heat source models used in the modeling of PBF processes as well as a few case studies.
Chapter 6 explains the modeling and physics of binder jetting and material jetting AM processes.
Chapter 7 covers the physics of material extrusion briefly. It sheds some light on the interaction of multiple physical phenomena.
Chapter 8 starts with a review of relevant historical background on material science. It then focuses on the comparison of conventional versus AM processes within the context of material properties. It discusses the fundamentals of solidification as well as factors affecting solidification in AM and phase transformation for different alloys used in metal AM.
Chapter 9 explains the concept of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs). It also covers applications of AM technology in the fabrication of MMCs and possible challenges. It also sheds some light on the differentiation of categories of MMCs in AM, e.g. ferrous matrix composites, titanium matrix composites, aluminum matrix composites, nickel matrix composites.
Chapter 10 sheds some light on new design frameworks tailored to AM. It helps the reader to understand the importance of design rules and guidelines and how they differ between AM processes. It covers the theoretical framework supporting topology optimization, efforts toward including