DARPA has just announced a major initiative to improve the understanding of the processes and materials involved in Additive manufacturing to ensure that parts are printed consistently. For example a part printed on one laser sintering machine using a specific material and then on another machine with the same material may have a completely different microstructure. This makes it nearly impossible to certify a part for use when the structures are not consistent. That's why DARPA is looking at ways in which they can develop a better understanding of the methods involved as well as the materials which are being sintered. More details on these initiatives can be found here: http://3dprint.com/69674/darpa-3d-printing/

Let's hear your thoughts on DARPA's most recent involvement in 3D Printing.