This document provides a comprehensive overview of additive manufacturing (AM), highlighting its definition, history, various technologies, advantages, disadvantages, and applications across industries. AM is characterized by layer-by-layer material joining to create objects, with benefits such as design complexity, customization, and sustainability, but also faces challenges like accuracy issues and material limitations. The document also discusses notable processes like stereolithography and laser sintering, and mentions the increasing relevance of AM in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.