A Review on Additive Layer Manufacturing

Abstract

Additive layer manufacturing (ALM) is a process for joining materials to build objects in successive layers under computer control using data from 3D model. It is an opposite of subtractive manufacturing in which material removal is required to reach the desired shape. ALM has better capabilities than the original 3D printing that used mainly for rapid prototyping because it makes the production more efficient if it is used in advanced applications such as creating highly customized products, producing small volume of serial components and visualizing tool in design, the future applications may concern human organs creation, clothes manufacturing and food confection. The aim of this paper is to present a review about ALM showing its application, processes and quality issues focusing on fused deposition modelling as it is the most traditional ALM process.