Suitable topics for this symposium include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. New methods, technologies, concepts and equipment for AM, such as
a. feedstock distribution
b. methods for consolidation
c. beam scanning algorithms
d. improvements of lasers, electron guns, print heads, etc.
e. build chamber environment
f. methods for improved process stability and repeatability
2. Innovative development of auxiliary instrumentation and methods intended for AM
3. In-situ process monitoring and control methods, such as
a. Monitoring of powder layer quality
b. Detection of porosity and other defects
c. In-process defect repair
d. Monitoring of dimensional accuracy (XY) and surface topography (Z)
e. Thermal monitoring and mapping
f. Real-time melt pool characterization
g. Evaporation loss measurement
h. Monitoring of vacuum quality, process gas purity and gas flow pattern
i. High-speed imaging of fast processes such as powder distribution, melt pool dynamics, spattering and electrostatic levitation
j. Monitoring of beam quality (laser or electron beam)
k. Detection of acoustic signals, optical emission, X-rays, backscatter electrons.

This symposium is limited to topics closely associated with the AM processes themselves. Thus equipment and technologies for powder manufacturing, powder recycling, post-processing of AM components and characterization of AM materials are better suited for other symposia at MS&T.