Abstract
Functionally Graded Material (FGM) belongs to a
class of advanced material characterized by variation in properties
as the dimension varies. The overall properties of FMG are
unique and different from any of the individual material that
forms it. There is a wide range of applications for FGM and it is
expected to increase as the cost of material processing and
fabrication processes are reduced by improving these processes. In
this study, an overview of fabrication processes, area of
application, some recent research studies and the need to focus
more research effort on improving the most promising FGM
fabrication method (solid freeform SFF) is presented. Improving
the performance of SFF processes and extensive studies on
material characterization on components produced will go a long
way in bringing down the manufacturing cost of FGM and
increase productivity in this regard.