Abstract: Described is automatic, configurable manufacturing workflow (ACMW) technology for additive manufacturing (AM) systems. Apparatus, methods and systems employing ACMW technology provide AM systems with increased flexibility. ACMW technology is particularly suitable for lights-out AM and for continuous AM. In various embodiments of ACMW technology, efficiency and/or reliability of an AM system are increased and/or need for maintenance and/or human intervention is decreased. Broadly, ACMW technology can enable practical scale up of production AM, including automatic configuration of 3D printing clusters as may be desired, such automatic configuration including automatic reconfiguration as desired. This increases manufacturing flexibility and can lead to lower total cost per part (TCPP). ACMW technology addresses several cost and efficiency drivers involved in calculation of TCPP.