Additive manufacturing (AM) methods have growth and evolved rapidly in recent years. Current methods for AM have been categorised into seven main groups, which are material extrusion, material jetting, vat polymerisation, powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, sheet lamination and binder jetting. Using AM, many applications in the industry have been explored.

Functionality of components is derived from the process-structure-property relationship in AM. To enhance the functionality of AM components, research and development in materials must be complemented by advancement in the AM techniques as well as the designs of the components. Novel research in these areas would help to unveil more potential and applications for AM in real end uses. This column aims to collect the on-going research that focuses on materials, AM techniques and designs to enhance functionality of AM components.