Digitalization of Design for Support Structures in Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals

Digitalization of Design for Support Structures in Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals

Author: Katharina Bartsch

Publisher:

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9783031229572

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Additive manufacturing is considered a key technology for digital production. However, several barriers towards the broad industrial application exist, e.g. the associated cost and the required experience regarding the manufacturing process. To eradicate these barriers, the complete digitalization of the value creation process is needed. In this thesis, a digital, automated support structure design procedure is developed. Topology optimization is used for design rule determination, and the space colonization algorithm is adapted for the automated design. The validity of the procedure is proven experimentally, revealing sufficient mechanical performance alongside cost reduction at medium to large production scales. The content Provides a concise review of support structure optimization in laser powder bed fusion Includes thermo-mechanical material model of Ti-6Al-4V alloy Contains cost model for calculation of support-induced costs The author Katharina Bartsch studied mechanical engineering with a focus on product development, materials and production at the Technical University of Hamburg. Here, she received her doctorate in 2022 under Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claus Emmelmann (Institute for Laser and System Technologies - iLAS). During her time as a doctoral candidate, she worked as a research associate as well as chief engineer (since 2020) at the iLAS and as a team leader and research associate (since 2019) at the LZN Laser Zentrum Nord GmbH, later Fraunhofer Research Institution for Additive Production Technologies IAPT.


Book Synopsis Digitalization of Design for Support Structures in Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals by : Katharina Bartsch

Download or read book Digitalization of Design for Support Structures in Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals written by Katharina Bartsch and published by . This book was released on 2023 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Additive manufacturing is considered a key technology for digital production. However, several barriers towards the broad industrial application exist, e.g. the associated cost and the required experience regarding the manufacturing process. To eradicate these barriers, the complete digitalization of the value creation process is needed. In this thesis, a digital, automated support structure design procedure is developed. Topology optimization is used for design rule determination, and the space colonization algorithm is adapted for the automated design. The validity of the procedure is proven experimentally, revealing sufficient mechanical performance alongside cost reduction at medium to large production scales. The content Provides a concise review of support structure optimization in laser powder bed fusion Includes thermo-mechanical material model of Ti-6Al-4V alloy Contains cost model for calculation of support-induced costs The author Katharina Bartsch studied mechanical engineering with a focus on product development, materials and production at the Technical University of Hamburg. Here, she received her doctorate in 2022 under Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claus Emmelmann (Institute for Laser and System Technologies - iLAS). During her time as a doctoral candidate, she worked as a research associate as well as chief engineer (since 2020) at the iLAS and as a team leader and research associate (since 2019) at the LZN Laser Zentrum Nord GmbH, later Fraunhofer Research Institution for Additive Production Technologies IAPT.


Digitalization of design for support structures in laser powder bed fusion of metals

Digitalization of design for support structures in laser powder bed fusion of metals

Author: Katharina Bartsch

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-02-18

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13: 3031229568

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Additive manufacturing is considered a key technology for digital production. However, several barriers towards the broad industrial application exist, e.g. the associated cost and the required experience regarding the manufacturing process. To eradicate these barriers, the complete digitalization of the value creation process is needed. In this thesis, a digital, automated support structuredesign procedure is developed. Topology optimization is used for design rule determination, and the space colonization algorithm is adapted for the automated design. The validity of the procedure is proven experimentally, revealing sufficient mechanical performance alongside cost reduction at medium to large production scales.


Book Synopsis Digitalization of design for support structures in laser powder bed fusion of metals by : Katharina Bartsch

Download or read book Digitalization of design for support structures in laser powder bed fusion of metals written by Katharina Bartsch and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-02-18 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Additive manufacturing is considered a key technology for digital production. However, several barriers towards the broad industrial application exist, e.g. the associated cost and the required experience regarding the manufacturing process. To eradicate these barriers, the complete digitalization of the value creation process is needed. In this thesis, a digital, automated support structuredesign procedure is developed. Topology optimization is used for design rule determination, and the space colonization algorithm is adapted for the automated design. The validity of the procedure is proven experimentally, revealing sufficient mechanical performance alongside cost reduction at medium to large production scales.


Fundamentals of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals

Fundamentals of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals

Author: Igor Yadroitsev

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2021-05-23

Total Pages: 678

ISBN-13: 0128240911

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Laser powder bed fusion of metals is a technology that makes use of a laser beam to selectively melt metal powder layer-by-layer in order to fabricate complex geometries in high performance materials. The technology is currently transforming aerospace and biomedical manufacturing and its adoption is widening into other industries as well, including automotive, energy, and traditional manufacturing. With an increase in design freedom brought to bear by additive manufacturing, new opportunities are emerging for designs not possible previously and in material systems that now provide sufficient performance to be qualified in end-use mission-critical applications. After decades of research and development, laser powder bed fusion is now enabling a new era of digitally driven manufacturing. Fundamentals of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals will provide the fundamental principles in a broad range of topics relating to metal laser powder bed fusion. The target audience includes new users, focusing on graduate and undergraduate students; however, this book can also serve as a reference for experienced users as well, including senior researchers and engineers in industry. The current best practices are discussed in detail, as well as the limitations, challenges, and potential research and commercial opportunities moving forward. Presents laser powder bed fusion fundamentals, as well as their inherent challenges Provides an up-to-date summary of this advancing technology and its potential Provides a comprehensive textbook for universities, as well as a reference for industry Acts as quick-reference guide


Book Synopsis Fundamentals of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals by : Igor Yadroitsev

Download or read book Fundamentals of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals written by Igor Yadroitsev and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2021-05-23 with total page 678 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Laser powder bed fusion of metals is a technology that makes use of a laser beam to selectively melt metal powder layer-by-layer in order to fabricate complex geometries in high performance materials. The technology is currently transforming aerospace and biomedical manufacturing and its adoption is widening into other industries as well, including automotive, energy, and traditional manufacturing. With an increase in design freedom brought to bear by additive manufacturing, new opportunities are emerging for designs not possible previously and in material systems that now provide sufficient performance to be qualified in end-use mission-critical applications. After decades of research and development, laser powder bed fusion is now enabling a new era of digitally driven manufacturing. Fundamentals of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals will provide the fundamental principles in a broad range of topics relating to metal laser powder bed fusion. The target audience includes new users, focusing on graduate and undergraduate students; however, this book can also serve as a reference for experienced users as well, including senior researchers and engineers in industry. The current best practices are discussed in detail, as well as the limitations, challenges, and potential research and commercial opportunities moving forward. Presents laser powder bed fusion fundamentals, as well as their inherent challenges Provides an up-to-date summary of this advancing technology and its potential Provides a comprehensive textbook for universities, as well as a reference for industry Acts as quick-reference guide


Support Structure Design in Additive Manufacturing

Support Structure Design in Additive Manufacturing

Author: Sebastian Weber

Publisher:

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9783844089257

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Book Synopsis Support Structure Design in Additive Manufacturing by : Sebastian Weber

Download or read book Support Structure Design in Additive Manufacturing written by Sebastian Weber and published by . This book was released on 2023 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Additive Manufacturing of Metals: The Technology, Materials, Design and Production

Additive Manufacturing of Metals: The Technology, Materials, Design and Production

Author: Li Yang

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-05-11

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13: 3319551280

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This book offers a unique guide to the three-dimensional (3D) printing of metals. It covers various aspects of additive, subtractive, and joining processes used to form three-dimensional parts with applications ranging from prototyping to production. Examining a variety of manufacturing technologies and their ability to produce both prototypes and functional production-quality parts, the individual chapters address metal components and discuss some of the important research challenges associated with the use of these technologies. As well as exploring the latest technologies currently under development, the book features unique sections on electron beam melting technology, material lifting, and the importance this science has in the engineering context. Presenting unique real-life case studies from industry, this book is also the first to offer the perspective of engineers who work in the field of aerospace and transportation systems, and who design components and manufacturing networks. Written by the leading experts in this field at universities and in industry, it provides a comprehensive textbook for students and an invaluable guide for practitioners


Book Synopsis Additive Manufacturing of Metals: The Technology, Materials, Design and Production by : Li Yang

Download or read book Additive Manufacturing of Metals: The Technology, Materials, Design and Production written by Li Yang and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-05-11 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a unique guide to the three-dimensional (3D) printing of metals. It covers various aspects of additive, subtractive, and joining processes used to form three-dimensional parts with applications ranging from prototyping to production. Examining a variety of manufacturing technologies and their ability to produce both prototypes and functional production-quality parts, the individual chapters address metal components and discuss some of the important research challenges associated with the use of these technologies. As well as exploring the latest technologies currently under development, the book features unique sections on electron beam melting technology, material lifting, and the importance this science has in the engineering context. Presenting unique real-life case studies from industry, this book is also the first to offer the perspective of engineers who work in the field of aerospace and transportation systems, and who design components and manufacturing networks. Written by the leading experts in this field at universities and in industry, it provides a comprehensive textbook for students and an invaluable guide for practitioners


Industrializing Additive Manufacturing

Industrializing Additive Manufacturing

Author: Christoph Klahn

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-09-11

Total Pages: 440

ISBN-13: 3031429834

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This book presents the Proceedings of the 3rd conference on Additive Manufacturing in Products and Applications AMPA2023, a conference that brought together engineers, designers, and managers to exchange ideas and knowledge on how to support real-world value chains by developing additive manufactured serial products. It covers a range of topics related to additive manufacturing (AM), including design for AM, physical and digital process chains, as well as for technology transfer into companies and applications. The book is divided in Sections such as Design for AM, Digital Process Chains, Emerging AM Technologies and Teaching & Training. In addition to these technical topics, the book also covers broader issues related to additive manufacturing, such as Manufacturing Readiness Levels, implementing AM machines into the existing production chain, and quality assurance and control mechanisms.


Book Synopsis Industrializing Additive Manufacturing by : Christoph Klahn

Download or read book Industrializing Additive Manufacturing written by Christoph Klahn and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-09-11 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents the Proceedings of the 3rd conference on Additive Manufacturing in Products and Applications AMPA2023, a conference that brought together engineers, designers, and managers to exchange ideas and knowledge on how to support real-world value chains by developing additive manufactured serial products. It covers a range of topics related to additive manufacturing (AM), including design for AM, physical and digital process chains, as well as for technology transfer into companies and applications. The book is divided in Sections such as Design for AM, Digital Process Chains, Emerging AM Technologies and Teaching & Training. In addition to these technical topics, the book also covers broader issues related to additive manufacturing, such as Manufacturing Readiness Levels, implementing AM machines into the existing production chain, and quality assurance and control mechanisms.


Additive Manufacturing with Metals

Additive Manufacturing with Metals

Author: Sanjay Joshi

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-12-29

Total Pages: 669

ISBN-13: 3031370694

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This textbook and reference provides a comprehensive treatment of additive manufacturing (AM) for metals, including design and digital work flows, process science and reliability, metallic systems, quality assurance, and applications. The book is rooted in the fundamental science necessary to develop and understand AM technologies, as well as the application of engineering principles covering several disciplines to successfully exploit this important technology. As additive manufacturing of metals is the fastest growing subset of this transformative technology, with the potential to make the widest impact to industrial production, Metals Additive Manufacturing: Design, Processes, Materials, Quality Assurance, and Applications is ideal for students in a range of engineering disciplines and practitioners working in aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing industries.


Book Synopsis Additive Manufacturing with Metals by : Sanjay Joshi

Download or read book Additive Manufacturing with Metals written by Sanjay Joshi and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-12-29 with total page 669 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This textbook and reference provides a comprehensive treatment of additive manufacturing (AM) for metals, including design and digital work flows, process science and reliability, metallic systems, quality assurance, and applications. The book is rooted in the fundamental science necessary to develop and understand AM technologies, as well as the application of engineering principles covering several disciplines to successfully exploit this important technology. As additive manufacturing of metals is the fastest growing subset of this transformative technology, with the potential to make the widest impact to industrial production, Metals Additive Manufacturing: Design, Processes, Materials, Quality Assurance, and Applications is ideal for students in a range of engineering disciplines and practitioners working in aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing industries.


Metal Additive Manufacturing

Metal Additive Manufacturing

Author: Dyuti Sarker

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2021-10-26

Total Pages: 624

ISBN-13: 1119210836

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METAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING A comprehensive review of additive manufacturing processes for metallic structures Additive Manufacturing (AM)—also commonly referred to as 3D printing—builds three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. Recent years have seen unprecedented investment in additive manufacturing research and development by governments and corporations worldwide. This technology has the potential to replace many conventional manufacturing processes, enable the development of new industry practices, and transform the entire manufacturing enterprise. Metal Additive Manufacturing provides an up-to-date review of all essential physics of metal additive manufacturing techniques with emphasis on both laser-based and non-laser-based additive manufacturing processes. This comprehensive volume covers fundamental processes and equipment, governing physics and modelling, design and topology optimization, and more. The text adresses introductory, intermediate, and advanced topics ranging from basic additive manufacturing process classification to practical and material design aspects of additive manufacturability. Written by a panel of expert authors in the field, this authoritative resource: Provides a thorough analysis of AM processes and their theoretical foundations Explains the classification, advantages, and applications of AM processes Describes the equipment required for different AM processes for metallic structures, including laser technologies, positioning devices, feeder and spreader mechanisms, and CAD software Discusses the opportunities, challenges, and current and emerging trends within the field Covers practical considerations, including design for AM, safety, quality assurance, automation, and real-time control of AM processes Includes illustrative cases studies and numerous figures and tables Featuring material drawn from the lead author’s research and professional experience on laser additive manufacturing, Metal Additive Manufacturing is an important source for manufacturing professionals, research and development engineers in the additive industry, and students and researchers involved in mechanical, mechatronics, automatic control, and materials engineering and science.


Book Synopsis Metal Additive Manufacturing by : Dyuti Sarker

Download or read book Metal Additive Manufacturing written by Dyuti Sarker and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-10-26 with total page 624 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: METAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING A comprehensive review of additive manufacturing processes for metallic structures Additive Manufacturing (AM)—also commonly referred to as 3D printing—builds three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer. Recent years have seen unprecedented investment in additive manufacturing research and development by governments and corporations worldwide. This technology has the potential to replace many conventional manufacturing processes, enable the development of new industry practices, and transform the entire manufacturing enterprise. Metal Additive Manufacturing provides an up-to-date review of all essential physics of metal additive manufacturing techniques with emphasis on both laser-based and non-laser-based additive manufacturing processes. This comprehensive volume covers fundamental processes and equipment, governing physics and modelling, design and topology optimization, and more. The text adresses introductory, intermediate, and advanced topics ranging from basic additive manufacturing process classification to practical and material design aspects of additive manufacturability. Written by a panel of expert authors in the field, this authoritative resource: Provides a thorough analysis of AM processes and their theoretical foundations Explains the classification, advantages, and applications of AM processes Describes the equipment required for different AM processes for metallic structures, including laser technologies, positioning devices, feeder and spreader mechanisms, and CAD software Discusses the opportunities, challenges, and current and emerging trends within the field Covers practical considerations, including design for AM, safety, quality assurance, automation, and real-time control of AM processes Includes illustrative cases studies and numerous figures and tables Featuring material drawn from the lead author’s research and professional experience on laser additive manufacturing, Metal Additive Manufacturing is an important source for manufacturing professionals, research and development engineers in the additive industry, and students and researchers involved in mechanical, mechatronics, automatic control, and materials engineering and science.


Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology

Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology

Author: Radi Masri

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2022-12-12

Total Pages: 403

ISBN-13: 1119800609

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Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology Comprehensive overview of digital dentistry describing available technologies and when/how to use digital dentistry in practice Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology provides comprehensive yet practical references to a wide range of potential uses for digital technology in dental practice, discussing a wide range of digital technologies including their indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and applications. Overall, the book emphasizes how to use digital dentistry in daily practice across all specialties. With broad coverage of the subject, Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology discusses digital imaging, digital impressions, digital prosthodontics, digital implant planning and placement, and digital applications in endodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery. Each chapter is written by experts in each topic and covers applications for prosthodontics, implant dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and other specialty areas. Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology also includes information on: Software, scanning, and manufacturing capabilities which have led to an unparalleled revolution leading to a major paradigm shift in all aspects of dentistry Digital radiography, virtual planning, computer-aided design and manufacturing, digital impressions, digitally fabricated dentures, and the “virtual patient” Available technologies, plus a critical evaluation of each one to detail how they are incorporated in daily practice across all specialties Developing technologies in the field with special attention paid to those expected to be on the market sometime in the near future Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology is an essential resource for general dentists, specialists, and students who wish to understand digital dentistry and efficiently and intelligently incorporate it into their practices. The text is also useful for laboratory technicians interested in recent digital advances in the dental field.


Book Synopsis Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology by : Radi Masri

Download or read book Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology written by Radi Masri and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2022-12-12 with total page 403 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology Comprehensive overview of digital dentistry describing available technologies and when/how to use digital dentistry in practice Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology provides comprehensive yet practical references to a wide range of potential uses for digital technology in dental practice, discussing a wide range of digital technologies including their indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and applications. Overall, the book emphasizes how to use digital dentistry in daily practice across all specialties. With broad coverage of the subject, Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology discusses digital imaging, digital impressions, digital prosthodontics, digital implant planning and placement, and digital applications in endodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery. Each chapter is written by experts in each topic and covers applications for prosthodontics, implant dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and other specialty areas. Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology also includes information on: Software, scanning, and manufacturing capabilities which have led to an unparalleled revolution leading to a major paradigm shift in all aspects of dentistry Digital radiography, virtual planning, computer-aided design and manufacturing, digital impressions, digitally fabricated dentures, and the “virtual patient” Available technologies, plus a critical evaluation of each one to detail how they are incorporated in daily practice across all specialties Developing technologies in the field with special attention paid to those expected to be on the market sometime in the near future Clinical Applications of Digital Dental Technology is an essential resource for general dentists, specialists, and students who wish to understand digital dentistry and efficiently and intelligently incorporate it into their practices. The text is also useful for laboratory technicians interested in recent digital advances in the dental field.


Precision Metal Additive Manufacturing

Precision Metal Additive Manufacturing

Author: Richard Leach

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2020-09-21

Total Pages: 357

ISBN-13: 0429791275

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Additive manufacturing (AM) is a fast-growing sector with the ability to evoke a revolution in manufacturing due to its almost unlimited design freedom and its capability to produce personalised parts locally and with efficient material use. AM companies, however, still face technological challenges such as limited precision due to shrinkage, built-in stresses and limited process stability and robustness. Moreover, often post-processing is needed due to high roughness and remaining porosity. Qualified, trained personnel are also in short supply. In recent years, there have been dramatic improvements in AM design methods, process control, post-processing, material properties and material range. However, if AM is going to gain a significant market share, it must be developed into a true precision manufacturing method. The production of precision parts relies on three principles: Production is robust (i.e. all sensitive parameters can be controlled). Production is predictable (for example, the shrinkage that occurs is acceptable because it can be predicted and compensated in the design). Parts are measurable (as without metrology, accuracy, repeatability and quality assurance cannot be known). AM of metals is inherently a high-energy process with many sensitive and inter-related process parameters, making it susceptible to thermal distortions, defects and process drift. The complete modelling of these processes is beyond current computational power, and novel methods are needed to practicably predict performance and inform design. In addition, metal AM produces highly textured surfaces and complex surface features that stretch the limits of contemporary metrology. With so many factors to consider, there is a significant shortage of background material on how to inject precision into AM processes. Shortage in such material is an important barrier for a wider uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies, and a comprehensive book is thus needed. This book aims to inform the reader how to improve the precision of metal AM processes by tackling the three principles of robustness, predictability and metrology, and by developing computer-aided engineering methods that empower rather than limit AM design. Richard Leach is a professor in metrology at the University of Nottingham and heads up the Manufacturing Metrology Team. Prior to this position, he was at the National Physical Laboratory from 1990 to 2014. His primary love is instrument building, from concept to final installation, and his current interests are the dimensional measurement of precision and additive manufactured structures. His research themes include the measurement of surface topography, the development of methods for measuring 3D structures, the development of methods for controlling large surfaces to high resolution in industrial applications and the traceability of X-ray computed tomography. He is a leader of several professional societies and a visiting professor at Loughborough University and the Harbin Institute of Technology. Simone Carmignato is a professor in manufacturing engineering at the University of Padua. His main research activities are in the areas of precision manufacturing, dimensional metrology and industrial computed tomography. He is the author of books and hundreds of scientific papers, and he is an active member of leading technical and scientific societies. He has been chairman, organiser and keynote speaker for several international conferences, and received national and international awards, including the Taylor Medal from CIRP, the International Academy for Production Engineering.


Book Synopsis Precision Metal Additive Manufacturing by : Richard Leach

Download or read book Precision Metal Additive Manufacturing written by Richard Leach and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2020-09-21 with total page 357 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Additive manufacturing (AM) is a fast-growing sector with the ability to evoke a revolution in manufacturing due to its almost unlimited design freedom and its capability to produce personalised parts locally and with efficient material use. AM companies, however, still face technological challenges such as limited precision due to shrinkage, built-in stresses and limited process stability and robustness. Moreover, often post-processing is needed due to high roughness and remaining porosity. Qualified, trained personnel are also in short supply. In recent years, there have been dramatic improvements in AM design methods, process control, post-processing, material properties and material range. However, if AM is going to gain a significant market share, it must be developed into a true precision manufacturing method. The production of precision parts relies on three principles: Production is robust (i.e. all sensitive parameters can be controlled). Production is predictable (for example, the shrinkage that occurs is acceptable because it can be predicted and compensated in the design). Parts are measurable (as without metrology, accuracy, repeatability and quality assurance cannot be known). AM of metals is inherently a high-energy process with many sensitive and inter-related process parameters, making it susceptible to thermal distortions, defects and process drift. The complete modelling of these processes is beyond current computational power, and novel methods are needed to practicably predict performance and inform design. In addition, metal AM produces highly textured surfaces and complex surface features that stretch the limits of contemporary metrology. With so many factors to consider, there is a significant shortage of background material on how to inject precision into AM processes. Shortage in such material is an important barrier for a wider uptake of advanced manufacturing technologies, and a comprehensive book is thus needed. This book aims to inform the reader how to improve the precision of metal AM processes by tackling the three principles of robustness, predictability and metrology, and by developing computer-aided engineering methods that empower rather than limit AM design. Richard Leach is a professor in metrology at the University of Nottingham and heads up the Manufacturing Metrology Team. Prior to this position, he was at the National Physical Laboratory from 1990 to 2014. His primary love is instrument building, from concept to final installation, and his current interests are the dimensional measurement of precision and additive manufactured structures. His research themes include the measurement of surface topography, the development of methods for measuring 3D structures, the development of methods for controlling large surfaces to high resolution in industrial applications and the traceability of X-ray computed tomography. He is a leader of several professional societies and a visiting professor at Loughborough University and the Harbin Institute of Technology. Simone Carmignato is a professor in manufacturing engineering at the University of Padua. His main research activities are in the areas of precision manufacturing, dimensional metrology and industrial computed tomography. He is the author of books and hundreds of scientific papers, and he is an active member of leading technical and scientific societies. He has been chairman, organiser and keynote speaker for several international conferences, and received national and international awards, including the Taylor Medal from CIRP, the International Academy for Production Engineering.