Textbook in PDF format This book explores the advancements in additive manufacturing which produces solid, free-form, nearly net-shaped objects. This refers to items that are easy to use, out-of-the-box, and not bound by the design constraints of modern manufacturing techniques. AM expands the definition of 3D printing to encompass a variety of procedures that begin with a three-dimensional computer model, incorporate an AM production procedure, and result in a useful product. The AM process can be confusing due to the rapid rise of competing techniques for fabricating 3D parts. This volume provides a thorough review of the basic components and procedures involved in additive manufacturing. It outlines a road map for where to begin, what to study, how everything goes together, and how AM might enable ideas outside traditional processing to realize those ideas in AM. Furthermore, this book investigates the benefits of AM including affordable access to 3D solid modeling software. With this software, learning is achieved without having to invest in costly industrial equipment