Additive Manufacturing: Generalities

This lecture covers the generalities of additive manufacturing processes, including the classification history, benefits, disadvantages, and classification of additive processes. It explains how additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of complex geometries, offers solutions for optimized designs, and discusses the main categories of additive processes. The history of additive processes is also presented, highlighting key milestones and developments in the field, such as the popularization of 3D printing. The lecture emphasizes the advantages of additive manufacturing, such as direct production from CAD, geometrical complexity, and reduced waste, while also addressing challenges like inferior mechanical properties and high costs.