Examples of Additive Manufacturing

Due to its highly adaptable manufacturing services, additive manufacturing is revolutionizing numerous industries. (Even the U.S. The Navy printed warship parts as part of the digital revolution in 3D printing, cutting down on inventory storage.) However, what exactly is additive manufacturing? And what connection does it have to 3D printing? By definition, additive manufacturing (AM) is the process of adding structural material to an object to create products. Software such as computer-aided design (CAD) or three-dimensional object scanning technology are typically utilized in additive manufacturing.

Since traditional manufacturing is best known for producing the same product in large quantities, it is very different from additive manufacturing. versus additive manufacturing What Makes 3D Printing Different? 3D printing and additive manufacturing go hand in hand. In fact, AM software relies heavily on 3D printing technology. Data is used by 3D printers to add materials to a predefined structure.

The materials then print one over the other, layer by layer. The finished structure is produced when they bind together. In a nutshell, the processes of additive manufacturing and 3D printing are the same. What distinguishes subtractive manufacturing from additive manufacturing? The way materials are processed in subtractive and additive manufacturing is different.

While subtractive manufacturing, which creates products by removing materials, is more conventional, additive manufacturing adds materials as needed. Parts made of plastics and metals, for instance, are frequently produced through subtractive manufacturing procedures. With your own additive manufacturing software partner, you can save money on both product and time.

Message Us As a result, additive processes typically outperform more conventional alternatives in terms of cost and waste reduction. A solid software foundation is necessary to move something from concept to deliverable. You can innovate throughout the manufacturing process, from model healing to customization, with the right software. For instance, Spatial’s software is designed to support additive manufacturing and preserve data integrity throughout the 3D model’s lifetime. What is additive manufacturing and how does it work? Seven Methods Defined There are a variety of additive manufacturing processes, each with its own set of features. Among these procedures are:

1. Fusion of Powder Beds Multiple types of additive manufacturing are used in this process. Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective heat sintering (SHS), and electron beam melting (EBM) are examples of these. Powder bed fusion melts materials into fine layers using thermal print heads, selective laser sintering, or electron beams. Since this technology is so inexpensive, it is a good deal. 2. Fabric Jetting The procedures used in material jetting are comparable to those used in conventional printers. This form of additive manufacturing uses 3D printers to precisely form products on a three-direction axis. Wax and photopolymer resin are two common materials that are utilized in material jetting. Colors and shapes can be made very precisely, but there are only a few options for materials. 3. Jetting of Binder Using a liquid binding agent, this method of 3D printing performs additive manufacturing. Through a series of thin printed layers, the binder adheres to the metal powder. 4. Polymerization in a Vat Parts are created in a liquid resin vat in this type of additive manufacturing.

The resin is cured (or hardened) layer by layer under ultraviolet light, resulting in the desired part. 5. Directed Deposition of Energy Directed energy deposition (DED) can be used with a wide range of materials. Ceramics, polymers, and metals are examples of these. Wire, powder, or filament feedstock is melted by an arm-mounted electron beam or laser. 6. Extrusion of Material Material extrusion is the most common type of additive manufacturing. It makes use of spooled polymers that are drawn out (extracted) using a heated nozzle on a mechanical arm. Polymers are used to construct the final product layer by layer. Chemical agents or temperature control are used to bind the layers together. Image via Unsplash

7. Lamination of Sheets Laminated object manufacturing (LOM) and ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) are the two distinct types of sheet lamination. Paper and adhesive are used in alternating layers during the LOM process. Products with aesthetic appeal are best suited for this type of sheet lamination. Meanwhile, ultrasonic welding is used to join thin metal layers in UAM. UAM can utilize a wide range of materials due to its use of low temperatures. Materials Used in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Materials like biochemicals, thermoplastics, ceramics, and metals are used in each type of additive manufacturing. 1. Metals
In 3D printing and additive manufacturing, metals, metal alloys, and metal powders are frequently utilized. Precious metals like gold and silver are examples of these. Depending on the application, more common metals like stainless steel and titanium are also used. Do you want to know more about additive manufacturing? Take a look at these blogs: • Six Applications of Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace • The Method of Additive Manufacturing

2. Thermoplastics
The medical, automotive, and aerospace industries, among others, make use of thermoplastics, the most common material in additive manufacturing. Polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are examples of the thermoplastics that are utilized. Additionally, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is utilized; as a material that dissolves, PVA is able to provide objects with temporary support when required. Fused filament fabrication, also known as fused deposition modeling, makes use of thermoplastics, which are extremely adaptable.

3. Ceramics
Biochemicals are typically used in medicine. In order to encourage bone growth, materials like silicon, calcium phosphate, and zinc are applied once they have hardened. The researchers continue to investigate various applications. For instance, bio-ink-derived synthesized stem cells are the subject of research with the intention of utilizing them for the development of organs or tissues. Image via Unsplash Technologies for Additive Manufacturing’s Benefits There are some advantages to additive manufacturing over traditional manufacturing. Additionally, complex structures can be easily constructed with additive manufacturing. Intricate design elements can be incorporated into the finished product thanks to the precise movements of the additive manufacturing processes.

AM utilizes machinery that is capable of implementing a higher level of detail than the majority of conventional manufacturing techniques. Additive manufacturing is a much less wasteful method of product production because it makes efficient use of materials. Products that are lighter in weight but maintain their structural integrity can also be produced using this method. How long does additive manufacturing or 3D printing take? The time it takes to make something will vary depending on the kind of additive manufacturing that is used. Depending on the product’s complexity, this can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Depending on the product, the manufacturing process may take a long time, but it may also save time.

Instead of having to create individual components that are then formed into a final product, AM allows products to be made as a whole. Make the Most of Software for Additive Manufacturing When you work with Spatial, it’s easier than ever to improve your additive manufacturing workflow. With our additive manufacturing SDKs, you can import, modify, and edit your 3D data without interrupting your workflows. Are you ready to improve your workflow for additive manufacturing? Spatula’s robust SDKs can make product development more efficient. Find out more by clicking here.