Dear Colleagues,

In the last decade, the development of processes for the production of complex-shape parts that are capable of guaranteeing both economic and environmental sustainability has represented one of the most important emerging issues in industrial research. At the same time, in industrial practices, there is currently an emerging trend in using advanced materials, enabling the creation of highly customized parts with specific properties.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process representing a more sustainable production method than conventional subtractive manufacturing techniques. AM processes minimize waste and material losses, allowing the reuse of raw materials as well as resulting in "near-net-shape" parts. Metal AM techniques can be used in several applications, including the production of lightweight aerospace components, customized medical implants, and high-performance automotive parts. These AM techniques (such as laser cladding) can also be used to repair worn or damaged parts, extend the life of components, and create unique surface properties such as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity. However, the quality of parts produced with these technologies can be affected by factors such as process parameters, temperature, the material used, and post-processing methods. Particularly regarding the latter, the strategies to mitigate residual stress, hinder defect formation, and reduce anisotropy in printed parts are especially important to transform the technology. Until now, not all conventional alloys have been optimized for the AM processes, leading to inferior properties of the cast or wrought alloys. Therefore, while there are still challenges to overcome, ongoing research and development in this field is likely to lead to further advances and breakthroughs in the coming years.

This Special Issue aims to discuss recent advances in the analysis and development of additive manufacturing systems with a focus on 3D printing systems using metals and alloys, metal composites, and lattice and hybrid parts. This Issue will also include studies on the characterization of both traditional and new materials used in additive manufacturing as well as the development of new post-production treatments (chemical, thermal, and mechanical treatments) and finishing processes in machine tools in order to increase the quality of the parts produced. Studies devoted to progress in the processing and development of multi-materials via hybrid additive manufacturing or joining additively manufactured (AM) complex-shaped parts to larger conventionally produced parts are also welcome.

 In particular, the topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Research involving aerospace and automotive applications;
• Research involving medical applications;
• Traditional and advanced material characterization processed by additive manufacturing technologies in relation to the main fields of use: metals and alloys, metal composites, lattice and hybrid parts, and so on;
• Microstructural analysis of parts produced via additive manufacturing technologies;
• Mechanical and micromechanical properties assessment;
• Mechanical analysis of parts produced using additive manufacturing technologies;
• Lifetime prediction of the produced parts;
• Coating and thin films characterization produced by additive manufacturing technologies;
• Corrosion resistance assessment;
• Study and classification of defects;
• Post-processing thermal and mechanical surface treatments.

Dr. Gilda Renna
Prof. Dr. Paola Leo
Dr. Teresa Primo
Guest Editors

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• additive manufacturing
• material characterization
• advanced material
• alloys
• post-processing
• heat treatments
• laser cladding
• laser metal deposition
• powder bed fusion (PBF)
• novel materials
• corrosion monitoring
• mechanical properties