On August 31, 2026, Engineering.com reviewed the latest global advances in additive manufacturing research, highlighting new developments from Heidelberg University, the University of Southern California, the University of Utah, and others in embedded sensor monitoring for metal AM, sustainable material utilization, and integrated 'single-step' forming. Academia is increasingly focusing on process monitoring and green materials, building a technological foundation for improved powder utilization efficiency and in-line quality control in industry. Value for powder buyers: ① Mature in-line quality inspection and process monitoring will reduce print failure rates, indirectly cutting powder waste; ② Advances in powder recycling and sustainable use research will influence acceptance criteria for powder reuse; ③ Single-step forming reduces post-processing steps, which may alter powder consumption patterns.