Interest in additive manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D printing, is rapidly growing both in theory and practice. Engineers and engineering firms are increasingly turning to 3D printing to create prototypes of products before proceeding with full-scale production. In academic environments, professors, researchers, and students are leveraging the capabilities of 3D printing to enhance project outcomes. This newly revised handbook is specifically tailored to focus on product design within the defense industry, a sector that significantly influences a wide range of other industries.

Additive Manufacturing Handbook: Product Development for the Defense Industry, Second Edition covers the impact and potential of 3D printing in enhancing defense capabilities through updated and detailed case examples. It provides a comprehensive and research-driven overview of 3D printing, with new chapters that fit within the systems engineering framework of product development. This new edition demonstrates how 3D printing technology can improve supply chains, ultimately leading to increased military responsiveness. Readers will find insightful examples and detailed chapters on the innovative process of military product prototyping. Also covered is a variety of topics including environmental issues, manufacturing design, challenges related to learning and forgetting, and applications of military biomedical technology.

The content has been fully revised to meet the demands of businesses, industries, and government entities.