Additive Manufacturing for beginners
What is it all about?
N3Dworks
2/20/2023
In the world of modern manufacturing, there's a groundbreaking technology called additive manufacturing, or more commonly, 3D printing. Instead of cutting away material like traditional methods, additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer. Let's explore what additive manufacturing is and why it's so exciting.
What is Additive Manufacturing?
In simple definition, additive manufacturing is a way to create 3D objects from digital models. It starts with a computer-made design, which acts like a blueprint. This design is then sliced into thin layers, and a 3D printer follows these instructions to build the object from the bottom up, one layer at a time. This process is known for being the opposite of substractive manufacturing.
How Does it Work?
There are various techniques in additive manufacturing, each with its special way of working and materials. Some common methods include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and more. These techniques may differ, but the main idea stays the same: the object is built layer by layer. Explore the available technologies in more details here.
The Benefits of Additive Manufacturing
Complex Shapes : Additive manufacturing allows us to make complicated and detailed designs that would be very hard with traditional methods.
Rapid Prototyping : It lets us create prototypes fast, making it quicker to develop products and get them out to the world.
On demand fabrication : Businesses can create things when they're needed, which means they don't need big storerooms or to carry around lots of stock. They also don't need to spend time on placing a new order for parts, go through a tooling process that can take months, which is the case in traditional manufacturing.
Reduced Lead Times : Since the tooling process is not involved, production can significantly reduce lead times, enabling businesses to respond quickly to market demands. One real example is in aerospace, where getting a particular critical part took to 48 days. Through additive manufacturing, the parts were completed and delivered within 48 hours instead.
Customization : Additive manufacturing can make personalized products, perfect for special preferences and small markets.
Significantly Less Waste : Unlike usual methods that can create a lot of waste, additive manufacturing only uses what's needed. In fact, in certain traditional manufacturing process, up to 80% materials can be saved when done via additive manufacturing.
Cost-Effectiveness : While starting up may have different costs, additive manufacturing can be cheaper for making small batches, as it doesn't need costly molds or tools.
Applications of Additive Manufacturing
The applications of additive manufacturing span a wide range of industries. Most common ones are in consumer, aerospace, automotive and the medical sector. However, the technology is finding its way into various new sectors such as jewelry and even bio-engineering, revolutionizing how products are designed, prototyped, and produced.
At N3D, we provide consultation and advice on navigating the world of additive manufacturing. Contact us for more details - we'll make it worthwhile for you.
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