Additive manufacturing technology is recognized as an optimal technology for mass-customized distributed production because it can yield products with high design freedom by applying an automated production system. However, the introduction of novel technologies to the additive manufacturing industry is generally delayed, and technology uncertainty has been pointed out as one of the main causes. This paper presents the results of the research and analysis of current standardization trends that are related to additive manufacturing by examining the hierarchical structure of the quality system along with the various industry and evaluation standards. Consequently, it was confirmed that the currently unfolding standardization does not sufficiently reflect the characteristics of additive manufacturing technology, and rather can become a barrier to entry for market participants or an element that suppresses the lateral shearing ability of additive manufacturing technology.

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are classified into two groups according to the consolidation mechanisms and densification degrees of the as-built parts. Densified parts are obtained via a single-step process such as powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, and sheet lamination AM technologies. Conversely, green bodies are consolidated with the aid of binder phases in multi-step processes such as binder jetting and material extrusion AM. Green-body part shapes are sustained by binder phases, which are removed for the debinding process. Chemical and/or thermal debinding processes are usually devised to enhance debinding kinetics. The pathways to final densification of the green parts are sintering and/or molten metal infiltration. With respect to innovation types, the multistep metal AM process allows conventional powder metallurgy manufacturing to be innovated continuously. Eliminating cost/time-consuming molds, enlarged 3D design freedom, and wide material selectivity create opportunities for the industrial adoption of multi-step AM technologies. In addition, knowledge of powders and powder metallurgy fuel advances of multi-step AM technologies. In the present study, multi-step AM technologies are briefly introduced from the viewpoint of the entire manufacturing lifecycle.

The transition from “More-of-Less” markets (economies of scale) to “Less-of-More” markets (economies of scope) is supported by advances of disruptive manufacturing and reconfigurable-supply-chain management technologies. With the prevalence of cyber-physical manufacturing systems, additive manufacturing technology is of great impact on industry, the economy, and society. Traditionally, backbone structures are built via bottom-up manufacturing with either pre-fabricated building blocks such as bricks or with layer-by-layer concrete casting such as climbing form-work casting. In both cases, the design selection is limited by form-work design and cost. Accordingly, the tool-less building of architecture with high design freedom is attractive. In the present study, we review the technological trends of additive manufacturing for construction-scale additive manufacturing in particular. The rapid tooling of patterns or molds and rapid manufacturing of construction parts or whole structures is extensively explored through uncertainties from technology. The future regulation still has drawbacks in the adoption of additive manufacturing in construction industries.

A three-dimensional physical part can be fabricated from a three-dimensional digital model in a layer-wise manner via additive manufacturing (AM) technology, which is different from the conventional subtractive manufacturing technology. Numerous studies have been conducted to take advantage of the AM opportunities to penetrate bespoke custom product markets, functional engineering part markets, volatile low-volume markets, and spare part markets. Nevertheless, materials issues, machines issues, product issues, and qualification/certification issues still prevent the AM technology from being extensively adopted in industries. The present study briefly reviews the standard classification, technological structures, industrial applications, technological advances, and qualification/certification activities of the AM technology. The economics, productivity, quality, and reliability of the AM technology should be further improved to pass through the technology adoption lifecycle of innovation technology. The AM technology is continuously evolving through the introduction of PM materials, hybridization of AM and conventional manufacturing technologies, adoption of process diagnostics and control systems, and enhanced standardization of the whole lifecycle qualification and certification methodology.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is defined as the manufacture of three-dimensional tangible products by additively consolidating two-dimensional patterns layer by layer. In this review, we introduce four fundamental conceptual pillars that support AM technology: the bottom-up manufacturing factor, computer-aided manufacturing factor, distributed manufacturing factor, and eliminated manufacturing factor. All the conceptual factors work together; however, business strategy and technology optimization will vary according to the main factor that we emphasize. In parallel to the manufacturing paradigm shift toward mass personalization, manufacturing industrial ecology evolves to achieve competitiveness in economics of scope. AM technology is indeed a potent candidate manufacturing technology for satisfying volatile and customized markets. From the viewpoint of the innovation technology adoption cycle, various pros and cons of AM technology themselves prove that it is an innovative technology, in particular a disruptive innovation in manufacturing technology, as powder technology was when ingot metallurgy was dominant. Chasms related to the AM technology adoption cycle and efforts to cross the chasms are considered.