?Mathematical formulae have been encoded as MathML and are displayed in this HTML version using MathJax in order to improve their display. Uncheck the box to turn MathJax off. This feature requires Javascript. Click on a formula to zoom. Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is transforming sectors such as automotive, defense, medical, and footwear by enabling toolless production, high design flexibility, rapid customisation, and on-demand supply chain management.