3D printing has been known under the term "Rapid Prototyping" since the 1980s, but its significance is currently evolving towards industrialization under the term "Additive Manufacturing" (AM). This requires greater flexibility, effectiveness, automation, and process reliability, as well as traceability of production. For the successful industrialization of Additive Manufacturing, the entire process chain (development, optimization, production) must be included. It is also important to ensure seamless traceability in a PLM system and to document the production of each individual part through MOM/MES. The author provides a brief introduction to Additive Manufacturing, presents existing methods and application areas, and outlines the transition from prototyping to industrial Additive Manufacturing.