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Additive Manufacturing of Materials

The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Additive Manufacturing Program (AM) is uniquely suited to study and measure the fundamental behaviors of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and advanced materials. Explore the following material categories to learn about our additive manufacturing efforts in each area.

Polymers

NIST Additive Manufacturing studies polymers for material characterization, understanding polymer behaviors, and application and optimization of polymer additive manufacturing. Learn more.

a 3D printer prints white gears using polymer filament
This 3D printer builds polymer gears via material extrusion, an AM technology that produces less scrap waste than traditional manufacturing technologies. 
Credit: Adobe Stock

 

Ceramics

We characterize and measure ceramic material properties for applications of ceramic additive manufacturing. Learn more.

a 3D printer prints a ceramic vase
Additive manufacturing can build customized parts and products for various applications, like this ceramic vase. 
Credit: Adobe Stock

Metals

Our team studies metals to produces standards and advance metal additive manufacturing. Learn more.

a 3D metal printer produces a complex steel part
Our team studies materials to better understand their properties, characteristics, behaviors, and applications for additive manufacturing.
Credit: Adobe Stock

 

 

Advanced Materials

NIST Additive Manufacturing researches advanced materials, such as biomaterials, composites, and metamaterials. Learn more.

A model skull with additively manufactured facial prosthetics lining the jaw, chin, and cheek bone areas. The skull is held up for the camera.
NIST studies advanced materials for additive manufacturing, such as biomaterials and composites, like the prosthetics pictured above. 
Credit: Adobe Stock

Contacts

Additive Manufacturing Program Coordinator

Created August 8, 2024, Updated November 20, 2024