Abstract
It has been about 20 years since the concept of functionally graded materials (FGMs) was first proposed, and the FGM study is now in the level of practical application. The FGM research developed from the national projects by the national government has spread to the commercial level, and we came to see many FGM products made by mass production methods. In this report, several major samples of FGM application technologies created by private companies are introduced. In addition, the recent development of FGM study including international collaborations and the most advanced fields of studies are discussed. The FGM Forum of Japan that has devoted for promotion of FGM technology will be reported on its role and future activities.
