“ Additive Manufacturing Technologies : 3 D Printing , Rapid Prototyping , and Direct Digital Manufacturing ” , 2 nd Edition

“Additive Manufacturing Technologies: 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping, and Direct Digital Manufacturing” is authored by Ian Gibson, David Rosen and Brent Stucker, who collectively possess 60 years’ experience in the fi eld of additive manufacturing (AM). This is the second edition of the book which aims to include current developments and innovations in a rapidly changing fi eld. Its primary aim is to serve as a teaching aid for developing and established curricula, therefore becoming an all-encompassing introductory text for this purpose. It is also noted that researchers may fi nd the text useful as a guide to the ‘state-of-the-art’ and to identify research opportunities. The book is structured to provide justifi cation and information for the use and development of AM by using standardised terminology to conform to standards (American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F42) introduced since the fi rst edition. The basic principles and historical developments for AM are introduced in summary in the fi rst three chapters of the book and this serves as an excellent introduction for the uninitiated. Chapters 4–11 focus on the core technologies of AM individually and, in most cases, in comprehensive detail which gives those interested in the technical application and development of the technologies a solid footing. The remaining chapters provide guidelines and examples for various stages of the process including machine and/or materials selection, design considerations and software limitations, applications and post-processing considerations.