The latest Wohlers Report (2016) reveals that the global market of additive manufacturing (AM) had grown to $5.165 billion in 2015 and the compound annual growth rate for the industry over the last 27 years is an impressive 26.2%. The momentum of the AM industrial growth is simply irresistible and wonderfully huge. Perhaps this can shed some light on why nearly 10 brand new AM-focused journals have been launched in just 2 years. Virtual and Physical Prototyping welcomes and is encouraged by the addition of these new journals to the vibrant research scene of AM, and VPP will strive in its excellence to remain among the top journals in the AM field by publishing more quality research papers.
In the second issue of 2016, we recommend to readers the following interesting papers, topics covering 3D modelling, AM materials, design for AM, etc. Elbaz et al. present how to convert an image scan of a highly porous structure to a closed contour representation via Hough Transform and genetic algorithms. The result could be an equivalent of a sliced layer for AM. Fantini et al. generate a biomimetic heterogeneous porous structure based on Voronoi lattices. This new approach enables the design of a porous structure close to that of a spongy bone. Shulunov presents an algorithm that can convert a 3D object in Cartesian coordinates to a flat ribbon in 2D coordinates by using a spiral coordinate system. The proposed algorithm can save calculation time and improve accuracy because a point on a plane is simply represented by one coordinate. Panchagnula and Simhambhatla present a method to automate the tool path generation for depositing metallic overhang features. Francis and Jain present the development of a new nanocomposite material for fused deposition modelling (FDM). It is interesting that the new material can be made from recycled FDM materials. Siqueiros et al. present the development of a new flexible material for FDM by blending acrylonitrile butadiene styrene with styrene ethylene butylene styrene. Liu suggests two general guidelines for AM part consolidation design. Finally, Wilkof shares a legal perspective on 3D printing patents.