Additive Manufacturing, or 3D Printing as it is often termed, is now beginning to gain traction in both the public's imagination as well as becoming a seriously considered and implemented manufacturing tool by leading industry. The lecture will explore why additive manufacturing has the potential to disrupt current thinking in the context of:• Its role as the enabler for low volume production and the democratization of manufacturing• The dramatic increases in design complexity & flexibility that are afforded by taking an additive approach• The cost effective product personalisation and customization possibilities• The reduction of the environmental burden of manufactured goods• The potential for new business models and supply chain realignment• Increased part functionality today, and multifunctionality in the coming years.The lecture will draw on real world industrial and consumer examples as exemplars and will also review the leading research that is being undertaken in the area.