Most additive manufacturing (AM) processes are layer-based with three linear motions in the X, Y and Z axes. However, there are drawbacks associated with such limited motions, e.g. non-conformal material properties, stair-stepping effect, and limitations on building-around-inserts. Such drawbacks will limit additive manufacturing to be used in more general applications. To enable 6-axis motions...

The technology of additive manufacturing – also known as ‘3D printing’ – holds the potential for revolutionising industrial production at all levels. Although the underlying techniques to build up physical items layer by layer from digital 3D design models have been in use since as early as 1986, only big companies could afford the necessary knowledge and equipment. Since 2008, things have chan...

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques can produce complex, high-value metal parts, with potential applications as critical parts, such as those found in aerospace components. The production of AM parts with consistent and predictable properties requires input materials (e.g., metal powders) with known and repeatable characteristics, which in turn requires standardized measurement methods for p...