Related publications: Additive manufacturing
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an evolving technology that can produce objects from plastics and metals. It works by building up layers of material hardened by a laser. The process is driven by computers that generate the enabling laser beams from highly detailed computer drawings and models. The parts that can be produced can be accurate copies of the enabling drawings, but they will have different material properties from items produced by traditional manufacturing such as casting, forging and machining.
This SIPRI Background Paper takes stock of the current state of the art of the technology by explaining its basic features and by highlighting the level of maturity and spread of AM applications in the aerospace sector.
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly developing technology with a growing range of applications, especially in the aerospace and defence industry. This SIPRI Paper examines the current state of AM and the potential options and considerations when expanding controls on it.
Technological advances in the biological sciences have long presented a challenge to efforts to maintain biosecurity and prevent the proliferation of biological weapons. The convergence of developments in biotechnology with other, emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence and robotics has increased the possibilities for the development and use of biological weapons.
