Abstract
Additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) is considered a disruptive technology
for producing components with topologically optimized complex geometries as well as
functionalities that are not achievable by traditional methods. The realization of the full
potential of 3D printing is stifl ed by a lack of computational design tools, generic material
feedstocks, techniques for monitoring thermomechanical processes under in situ conditions,
and especially methods for minimizing anisotropic static and dynamic properties brought
about by microstructural heterogeneity. This article discusses the role of interdisciplinary
research involving robotics and automation, process control, multiscale characterization of
microstructure and properties, and high-performance computational tools to address each
of these challenges. Emerging pathways to scale up additive manufacturing of structural
materials to large sizes (>1 m) and higher productivities (5–20 kg/h) while maintaining
mechanical performance and geometrical fl exibility are also discussed.
