Hybridization of materials and processes by additive manufacturing

Material hybrids allow for property combinations like electrically conductive/electrically insulating, magnetic/non-magnetic, ductile/hard, porous/non-porous or metallic gloss combined with different colors. Furthermore, as known from MEMS (Micro electromechanical systems), hybrid components can get sensor or actor functions. Hybridization of processes offers the opportunity to combine shaping technologies which are especially suited for dense or porous structures, small or large series numbers, 2D or 3D applications, individualization or mass production, etc. However, combining different materials or powder technological processes requires adjustment of material properties for co-processing. The article focuses on combinations of different ceramic components with different pore structures or colors and ceramics with stainless steel by Additive Manufacturing methods.