There are two ion deposition processes: (1) electrolytic solution-based and (2) colloidal solution-based (or electrophoretic deposition). When an external potential difference is applied across a solution using electrodes, charged particles or ions move through the solution—positive ions (cations) move toward the negative electrode (cathode), while negative ions (anions) move toward the positive electrode (anode). Movement of ions toward electrodes leads to an accumulation of materials on electrodes, which is akin to deposition of materials on a substrate in AM—this is a method used to add materials to an ionic solution-based AM. This method is not new; it is already practiced in electroplating or electrophoretic deposition for making thin coatings that are 2D structures. The method is also applied in electroforming to make 3D structures.