Book excerpt: Materials for Additive Manufacturing covers the materials utilized in the additive manufacturing field, including polymers, metals, alloys and ceramic materials. A conceptual overview of the preparation and characterization of the materials and their processing is given, beginning with theoretical aspects that help readers better understand fundamental concepts. Emerging applications in medicine, aerospace, automotive, artwork and rapid manufacturing are also discussed. This book provides a comprehensive overview of materials, along with rapid prototyping technologies. - Discusses the preparation and characterization of materials used for additive manufacturing - Provides descriptions of microstructures and properties of the parts produced by additive manufacturing - Includes recent industrial applications of materials processed in additive manufacturing