ABSTRACT
The build cycle of an AM part can be broken down into prebuild operations, the actual build, post-processing, and inspection. This chapter provides the reader with a typical scope and sequence of operations and considerations associated with these operations. This information is useful for all users who are considering purchasing and setting up an AM device function, as well as those who use service providers. Knowledge of post-processing and finishing operations is vital to the design process and plays a crucial role in subsequent changes to the design or processes. Operations such as powder recycling, heat treatment, hot isostatic pressing, machining, and surface finishing are discussed, as is the application of nondestructive and destructive assessment and detection of defects as applied to metal parts of AM. Ongoing industry efforts to draft standards and certify AM manufactured components are defined.
