Recent Progress in Beam-Based Metal Additive Manufacturing from a Materials Perspective: A Review of Patents

Abstract Over the last decade, enormous potential of metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes has led these technologies to establish their position in many industries. Much effort is being made toward widespread application; however, much remains be done achieve full industrialization processes. Therefore, companies, research centers and universities are investing comprehensive development activities order further promote AM. This review traces progress AM through an investigation patents. In present study, beam-based patents were searched Orbit Intelligence database. First, number per year was studied, indicating that, as expected, there strong growth patenting activities. The afterward examined highlight key players field, it found that main this market are: multidisciplinary machine producers, end users working, especially aerospace sector, centers. then analyzed understand technology domains covered by each player trend investments. Finally, field Materials Metallurgy studied individually identify topics faced most used alloy classes: Al-, Ni- Ti-based alloys steels. extensive study clearly indicated gaps fill strongly material dependent possible find correlations between classes, industrial applications specific processability issues. current provides insights into global trends can help markets right investment direction for future investigation.