Advanced Characteristics of Materials Used in Additive Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by enabling the creation of complex and customized parts. The main success of this AM technology can be attributed to the reduction of waste and environmental impact, as well as allowing for the creation of lighter-weight structures. In fact, when these lighter structures are applied to aerospace or automotive applications, they lead to saving fuel and related environmental (and financial) benefits. Unlike AM technology, traditional manufacturing methods often produce large amounts of waste and require significant amounts of energy. AM also allows for the replacement of parts that may otherwise be impossible to replace, meaning that machines can be repaired rather than scrapped. Anyway, the success of AM largely also depends on the quality and characteristics of the materials used. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art research in advanced materials used in AM and highlight their potential for future applications.