What is Additive Manufacturing?
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a technology that has matured and evolved rapidly in recent years. Although it has commonly been referred to as 3D printing, it is now being referred to as “Additive Manufacturing” because of its real world impact on manufacturing. AM technologies are continuing to advance quickly. Mainstream equipment producers are now entering the market, leading to new additive processes being developed. These new processes have made a wide range of production grade materials available, such as titanium, tool steel and a wide range of plastics.
Some of the benefits of adopting Additive Manufacturing include:
- Increased Innovation – AM allows manufacturers to print prototypes in hours, obtain feedback, refine designs and repeat the cycle until designs are perfect
- Improved Communication – Holding a full color, realistic 3D model in your hands imparts far more valuable information than a computer image.
- Time to Market - Design cycles are compressed by using AM to create multiple on demand prototypes
- Reduced Development Costs - Cut traditional prototyping and tooling costs
- Win Business - Bring realistic 3D models to prospective accounts
- Personalized Products - Merchandise can be personalized for specific customer requirements
- Use New Structures and Shapes – The use of AM allows for more creative designs and production of complex parts in one process
- Produce Less Waste - Traditional manufacturing is typically a wasteful process with a lot of surplus materials while AM creates virtually no waste while creating a sturdier and lighter product
- Reduced Manufacturing Costs - AM helps companies save up to 70% of their manufacturing costs while making them more efficient, green and profitable
- Quick Production - Industrial AM technologies can create an object in a few hours whereas traditional manufacturing methods can take weeks
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