Additive Manufacturing at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly developing class of manufacturing technologies that has received significant attention in recent years. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has invested significantly in AM and uses it extensively to support its mission areas and to meet the needs of its external sponsors, especially prototyping needs, as well as to create functional parts. The Laboratory's recent formation of an Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence enables an increased research focus on these disruptive technologies, including addressing the technical limitations of AM and exploring novel applications for its use. This article provides historical perspective on prototype manufacturing; describes the AM process as well as AM benefits, considerations, and uses; provides examples of how AM is used at APL; and highlights the vision for science-based manufacturing through the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.