Challenges in Additive Manufacturing Technology: Post Processing, Design and Material’s Selection

It is important to bear in mind that additive manufacturing (AM) did not emerge in isolation but rather built upon earlier technologies. The rapid adoption of 3D printing technology across industries serves as a testament to its effective evolution from a specialized method primarily used for prototyping to a viable industrial production technique. As the trend continues to gain momentum, an increasing number of companies will inevitably embrace AM techniques to manufacture components using diverse materials. This chapter explores significant milestones in the history of additive manufacturing, illustrating the advancements 3D printing has made over the past decade while considering the widespread growth of applications and technology in the mainstream. The transformative journey of 3D printing is examined, shedding light on its profound impact on various industries and its potential for further development and innovation in the future. By examining the historical context and current landscape, this chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progressive nature of additive manufacturing and its continued role in shaping the manufacturing industry. In Sect. 1, a brief introduction is given regarding the historical and future trends in additive manufacturing. Sections 2–6 discuss different additive manufacturing techniques, their working principles, and the suitable materials for each of these techniques. In Sect. 7, the concept of 4D printing is briefly discussed, including its applicability and future trends. © 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd