We research on materials and material systems, which are adapted and optimized to the conditions of powder bed fusion processes (e.g. SLS and SLM). The development of process-optimized material systems (alloys, polymers), the qualification of the starting powders, the development and optimization of suitable process windows as well as the characterization of the properties of the built up materials (microstructure, static and dynamic mechanical properties etc.) are crucial. This opens new fields of application for additive manufacturing, and enables innovation in various industries.