In this course, for each AM technique, available materials and innovative ones will be presented and deeply described. 

In the specific case of AM methods based on the powder bed approach, ticklish aspects of the integrated management of the raw materials will be analyzed, to reduce wastes assuring product quality. 

In addition, in the case of selected products an evaluation of the microstructural features will be presented, underling their role on the identification of the best process parameters. 

Finally, some studies related to the development of innovative materials for powder bed AM technologies with laser or electron beam will be described, highlighting difficulties related to their processing such as in the case of Al-based metal matrix composites.