ISO/ASTM 52900 defines additive manufacturing as the process of joining materials to make parts from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing and formative manufacturing methodologies. Additive manufacturing is also considered as a natural process like plant growth. It is now used in industries to manufacture engineering components.

Engineering is an innovative and creative application of science for improving the quality of human life. Through innovative thinking, an engineer solves the problems of contemporary importance. The science explains how nature is, while the engineer challenges nature and creates something that does not exist in nature. Innovation is the core of engineering. The next few decades are going to be very exciting for engineering and society as a whole. New technologies, some on the horizon and some unknown will emerge that will define the future of engineering. Whatever be the technology trends, engineers will play a prominent role in creating a world that is sustainable, happy, and culturally rich.