Mechatronics Advances for the Next Generation of AM Process Control

As defined by ASTM Standard F2792-12a, additive manufacturing (AM), is defined as a process of joining materials to make objects from three dimensional (3D) model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies. More conventionally known as 3D printing, AM tools commonly use a thermally- or chemically-driven material phase transition adhesives, evaporation, or physical contact to adhere material in a layer-by-layer fashion. Despite growing industrial adoption over the last decade, there is a recognized need for AM capabilities that exceed their current levels