Introduction and basic principles

This chapter introduces the preparation methods for metals and metal matrix composites, highlighting the many technological challenges as well as the differences between traditional methods and additive manufacturing (AM). As an emerging manufacturing technology, AM offers many advantages over traditional methods. This chapter briefly introduces the definitions and characteristics of metals and metal matrix composites, further explaining their traditional manufacturing methods and characteristics. AM principles and classification are briefly introduced and the differences between AM and traditional methods are discussed, including process strategy, microstructure, defect characteristics and performance, with a focus on the advantages of AM in manufacturing metal composites. Finally, the contents of each book chapter are briefly presented.