Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Alloys

Abstract

Additive processes have gained increasing interest within the discussion of digital fabrication and architecture. In general, architects have encouraged limited implementation of this relatively new mode of production beyond conceptual and representational applications. Few examples exist that pursue the large scale application of this technology and these few cases are primarily focused on utilizing polymer and resin-based materials, ceramics, sand and cementitious materials. While additive manufacturing of metals has reached production scaled efficiency and cost feasibility within medical, aerospace, and aviation manufacturing industries, it has yet to make a significant presence as part of architectural discourse. This chapter presents two additive methods of manufacturing in metals most commonly employed for production and their possible applications within the architectural project. The research presented explores the expanded territory for design freedoms, as well as the higher degree of optimizations unique to this manufacturing process. In addition target areas are defined for implementation within a fully integrated design to manufacturing solution space.