ABSTRACT
There are seven types of additive manufacturing (AM): material extrusion, VAT photopolymerization, powder bed fusion, material jetting, binder jetting, directed energy deposition and sheet lamination. These seven types of AM and their pros and cons are explained. The key characteristics of the AM technology in general and how this leads to advantages compared with traditional manufacturing methods are also discussed. The advantages of AM include less waste and the ability to produce complex and moving parts. Illustrations are provided to give an impression of AM equipment and capabilities.
