Explore additive manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing, also known as 3D-printing, is a manufacturing technology that enables a paradigm shift. Given all the advantages that the technology offers, there is huge potential of gaining competitiveness by adopting additive manufacturing.

Advantages of additive manufacturing

The list of advantages includes:

• Weight reduction
• Unique designs solutions without added cost
• Mass customization
• Disruptive manufacturing
• Digital warehouses

Aside from the technical benefits, the technology has a measurable contribution to sustainability by reducing the CO2-footprint, through its near-net-shape manufacturing capacity (less material waste), repair (re-use), local manufacturing (reduced need of transportation), and the use of bio-based materials.

Additive manufacturing technologies

There are seven major additive manufacturing technologies according to the ISO/ASTM 52900:2015(en) Additive manufacturing – General principles – Terminology:

1. Vat Polymerization
2. Material Extrusion
3. Powder Bed Fusion
4. Material Jetting
5. Binder Jetting
6. Direct Energy Deposition
7. Sheet Lamination

Moreover, within each type, 1-7, there are several unique solutions available, which all together come down to about 18 different solution packages provided by a large number of machine vendors. All of them require specific pre- and post-treatment solutions to enable part manufacturing, which is why identifying the right process and optimized value chain for a certain part might get complex and challenging for any company.

The Application Center for Additive Manufacturing helps your company find the right process and technology for your challenges and needs.