Additive Manufacturing (AM)
AM also a.k.a. known as 3D printing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by successively adding material layer by layer, based on digital design models (CAD-files).
This contrasts with traditional (subtractive) manufacturing methods involving the removal of material from a solid block to achieve the desired shape.
AM is widely used in very different applications through many different industries like aerospace, semi-conductors, (medical) equipment, machinery, electronics and invasive medical parts.
What most applications for AM have in common is certain needs or requirements that are characteristic for the so called High-Mix Low Volume markets (HMLV).
Benefits of AM
Freedom of design
Ability to create complex shapes and internal features without the constraints of traditional manufacturing. This is an underestimated benefit since there is so much to gain in terms of enhancing product or features.
What to think about reducing weight with the use of inner structures of topologies, or less assembly through integrating more parts to one.
AM also gives the opportunity to add (better) functionality such as cool channels for better flows or living hinges.
Material Efficiency
Reduced waste as material is only deposited where needed.
Reduced Lead Times
Faster production cycles from design to finished part or production of end-use parts in series.
Cost-efficiency for smaller batches
No need for expensive molds, tooling or time consuming machinery set-ups, making it economical for low-volume production.
Cost-efficiency can aslo be accoplished by other considerations such as build-to-order, less inventories, local sourcing, midigqtion rikss and reducing costs during development
(Mass) Customization
AM enables production of custom or personalized parts that can meet specific customer needs or expectations. The best example can be give the housings of hearing aids, glasses frames, innersoles or othodics.
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In practice, Additive Manufacturing is the only process that meets the definition oif Direct Digital Manufacturing and makes is possible to produce (print) end-use parts directly from a CAD-file.
Neither way, to produce or print end-use parts, proto-typing will still be essential in order to mitigate risks and for future development of a part during its life cycle.
Nevertheless, AM has got great potential for the production of end-use parts although it’s still mostly used for (rapid-) proto-typing.
This challenge is to fill in gaps, left by conventional production processes and to discover where AM can complete existing production processes.
Applications for AM
AM is widely used in very different applications through many different industries like aerospace, semi-conductors, (medical) equipment, machinery, electronics and invasive medical parts.
What most applications for AM have in common is certain needs or requirements that are characteristic for the so called High-Mix Low Volume markets (HMLV).
One common pitfall in on-boarding applications for AM is using technique as a starting point. This point of view doesn’t offer a broad view on product development or innovation and is prone to focussing on the limitations of a certain production technology.
Instead, one should exploring the possibilities from user or applications perspective. In other words, one should focus on ‘the why’ (application) and end-up with ‘the what’ (techniques).
In between remains ‘the ‘how’ that should cover the match with the relevant benefits of AM. Every unique application has its own specific requirements and consequently specific considerations to choose for AM.