The introduction of 3D printing in the manufacturing industry paved the way for the use of additive manufacturing. While the term “3D printing” is being used as synonymous with Additive Manufacturing AM, the latter is more accurately described as a professional production technique which is clearly distinguished from conventional methods of material removal.
Additive Manufacturing refers to a process by which digital 3D design data is used to build up a component in layers by depositing material. Instead of milling a work piece from solid block, for example, Additive Manufacturing builds up components layer by layer using materials which are available in fine powder form.
The technology has especially useful with effective rapid prototyping. It is now being used increasingly in series production. It gives original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the most varied sectors of industry the opportunity to create a distinctive profile for themselves based on new customer benefits, cost-saving potential and the ability to meet sustainability goals.
The technology is of interest where a new approach to design and manufacturing is required so as to come up with solutions. It enables a design-driven manufacturing process – where design determines production and not the other way around. What is more, additive manufacturing allows for highly complex structures which can still be extremely light and stable. It provides a high degree of design freedom, the optimization and integration of functional features, the manufacture of small batch sizes at reasonable unit costs and a high degree of product customization even in serial production.
With the increasing competition in the market today, most manufacturers opt to take advantage of the technology which offers more production rate upon lesser costs. Additive Marketing application is limitless. Its early use of AM in the form of rapid prototyping focused on preproduction visualization models. More recently, it is being used to fabricate end-use products in aircraft, dental restorations, medical implants, automobiles, and even fashion products.
In the industrial version of 3D Printing, additive manufacturing is already used to make some niche items, such as medical implants, and to produce plastic prototypes for engineers and designers. But the decision to mass-produce a critical metal-alloy part to be used in thousands of jet engines is a significant milestone for the technology. And while 3-D printing for consumers and small entrepreneurs has received a great deal of publicity, it is in manufacturing where the technology could have its most significant commercial.
Choosing to venture in additive manufacturing is as important as choosing the right AM provider. For businesses located withing the Orange County, they don’t have to look farther since a world-class additive manufacturing company providing excellent prototype designs is just around the corner.
Adaptive Designs is a one-stop shop provider of 3D printing, rapid prototyping, 3D scanning, production 3D printing, and additive manufacturing services. They offer multiple 3D printing services in-house and done right at the Orange County facility in Costa Mesa, CA.
