Post-Processing in Additive Manufacturing Requirements, Theories, and Methods

Abstract

3D printing has always been seen as a promising technology for creating small, lowquality prototypes. As it is getting faster and more dependable, its applications are becoming more diversified. 3D printing involves adding components layer by layer using only raw material and energy source, which is more economical and efficient with materials than cutting a shape from a larger block or pouring molten material into a mold [1–3]. In recent years, the commercial market for 3D printers has rapidly expanded thanks to an unprecedented development in materials and printing techniques, making it more diversified and highly competitive [3, 4]. With 3D printing’s quick and simple design process, it is now possible to customize a wide variety of materials for different applications, making the development of unique products a reality that was previously only a pipe dream with milling or casting. The schematic representation of an LPBF operation is given in Figure 4.1.