Solid Freeform Fabrication An Advanced Manufacturing Approach

Abstract

Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) is the production of freeform solid objects directly from a
\ncomputer model without part-specific tooling or human intervention. SFF has been realized in the
\nlast ten years through the merging of several previously distinct technologies: computer science,
\nmechanical design, controls, high-energy beam technology and materials science and engineering.
\nTheir combination has produced over a relatively short time..frame numerous SFF methods. The
\nvalue of SFF to the commercial sector is usually articulated in terms of reduced time to market
\n(prototyping), low production "one-of-a-kind" parts and patterns for casting. The purpose of this
\nintroductory paper is to describe briefly some of the approaches to SFF as a background for the
\narticles included in this proceedings.