Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing is an industrial production process that creates three dimensional objects by depositing materials, usually in layers. Additive manufacturing enables the possibility for direct production of complex parts based on digital data (CAD model), parts that are too difficult or too expensive to build using traditional dies, molds, milling and machining. The point-by point and layer-by-layer material consolidation mechanics unique to the AM methods offer promising new solutions and the technology is evolving to be one of the greatest achievements of the recent years.

By additive manufacturing, parts can now be created with complex geometries and shapes that in many cases are impossible to create any other way.