Additive Manufacturing of Metals

Book excerpt: This book is a technical introduction to additive manufacturing (AM) with a focus on powder bed fusion and metals. It provides the theory and industry-based practices to design, make, and test metal components via AM. After outlining the methods and materials of powder bed methods, the book explains the workings and physical limitations of electron beam and laser melt technologies in manufacturing parts, using a variety of metal powders. In this context, the physics of powder melting is described, as well as the effects of temperature variables on the properties of a part. The critical elements of how powder feedstock is chosen and formulated are explained. Processing methods are described using original design and engineering parameters developed by the author. Information is provided on current test methods of metals produced by AM, as well as how to carry out quality control, monitor reliability, and implement safety standards. For process design, a section is devoted to modeling.Each chapter includes a set of problems for students and practitioners that reflect metals' fabrication in industry.