[INVITED] Lasers in additive manufacturing

• Published in: Optics and laser technology 2016-04, Vol.78, p.25-32
• Main Author: Pinkerton, Andrew J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Additive; Additives; Barriers; Categories; Economics; Indicators; Lasers; Manufacturing; Markets; Rapid; Review; Trends
• ISSN: 0030-3992; 1879-2545
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2015.09.025

Additive manufacturing is a topic of considerable ongoing interest, with forecasts predicting it to have major impact on industry in the future. This paper focusses on the current status and potential future development of the technology, with particular reference to the role of lasers within it. It begins by making clear the types and roles of lasers in the different categories of additive manufacturing. This is followed by concise reviews of the economic benefits and disadvantages of the technology, current state of the market and use of additive manufacturing in different industries. Details of these fields are referenced rather than expanded in detail. The paper continues, focusing on current indicators to the future of additive manufacturing. Barriers to its development, trends and opportunities in major industrial sectors, and wider opportunities for its development are covered. Evidence indicates that additive manufacturing may not become the dominant manufacturing technology in all industries, but represents an excellent opportunity for lasers to increase their influence in manufacturing as a whole. •An investigation of the lasers used in the different categories of additive manufacturing.•A concise review of additive manufacturing benefits and potential barriers, both technical and commercial.•Trends in major industries that use additive manufacturing, together with their potential requirements for additive manufacturing technology, are revealed.•Opportunities for the future of additive manufacturing, and lasers within it, are derived.