Additive manufacturing revolution in the context of technology revolutions.

This article positions Additive Manufacturing (AM) within the broader context of historical technological revolutions, recognizing its transformative impact while acknowledging that future generations may perceive it as an early-stage technology. AM has evolved through several industrial revolutions, particularly benefiting from advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The convergence of traditional manufacturing techniques with these contemporary innovations has created a favorable environment for the widespread adoption of AM technologies. The article emphasizes the need for AM to fully embrace this integration to achieve its potential. The discussion highlights that the core objective of Focused Beam Additive Manufacturing (FBAM) is to control the solidification process, ensuring the production of sound and reliable components on the first attempt. Despite being a multidisciplinary technology, all relevant disciplines converge on achieving a flawless melting and solidification process. This involves precise modulation of energy sources, effective powder management, motion control systems, and temperature/environment regulation, all aimed at producing microstructurally and geometrically flawless components. The article concludes that the success of FBAM depends on the careful orchestration of these multidisciplinary activities, centered around a well-controlled solidification process, to deliver high-quality components that meet business needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]