Hybrid Additive Manufacturing

Book excerpt: Hybrid Additive Manufacturing: Techniques, Applications and Benefits explains the fundamentals of hybrid AM, definitions, classifications, and principles, as well as key techniques of hybrid AM, its applications, design guidelines, and benefits, with emphasis on key aspects of the system integration process. The core of this subject is in describing how to overcome inherent processing limitations of layer-by-layer AM through the integration of secondary post-processing such as machining or heat treatment. As a result hybrid AM plays a critical role in accelerating the adoption of AM in established design and manufacturing activities. The applications of hybrid AM in both metals and polymers are discussed in this book, as are geometrical dimensioning and tolerancing, material property enhancement, non-traditional surface finishing, in-situ sequential hybrid processing, and integrated process planning. This book will serve not only as an introduction to hybrid AM but also as a handbook for researchers and engineers in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, electronics, and materials science, thanks to its interdisciplinary approach and detailed case studies. Explains how hybrid manufacturing processes can be used to achieve enhanced material properties and functionality Describes the significance of hybrid additive manufacturing to different parts of the process chain Uses case studies to show how innovative companies are using this technology, how they have overcome challenges they encountered, and the benefits they have experienced