ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
DESIGN MEETS
DIGITAL
Additively manufactured components can be produced with individual customisations that would be unrealistic with traditional techniques . Prototyping and rapid iteration is possible without retooling or making new dies .
“ Additive Manufacturing ( AM ) marks an inflection point in manufacturing that allows previously impossible structures to be produced . If you design it , you can print it . Designers can use geometry , rather than bulk , to achieve structural strength with less weight .”
The laser sintering method .
Additive manufacturing ( AM ) is a transformative approach to industrial production that enables the creation of lighter , stronger parts and systems . It can bring digital flexibility and efficiency to manufacturing operations , making a real impact on profitability and environmental footprint .
“ Additive manufacturing uses data computeraided-design ( CAD ) software or 3D object scanners to direct hardware to deposit material , layer upon layer , in precise geometric shapes . As its name implies , additive manufacturing adds material to create an object . In contrast , when you create an object by traditional means , it is often necessary to remove material through milling , machining , carving , shaping or other means ,” explained GE Additive .
“ Although the terms ‘ 3D printing ’ and ‘ rapid prototyping ’ are casually used to discuss additive manufacturing , each process is actually a subset of additive manufacturing . In the right applications , additive manufacturing delivers a perfect trifecta of improved performance , complex geometries and simplified fabrication ,” it added .
Design determines manufacturing
Additive manufacturing and / or laser sintering or laser melting can be used to manufacture , coat or repair components with extremely high material requirements . Compared with traditional , ablative manufacturing methods , such as turning or milling , in additive manufacturing the design determines manufacturing . This is why it is referred to as “ design for additive manufacturing ” ( DfAM ).
“ AM marks an inflection point in manufacturing that allows previously impossible structures to be produced . If you can design it , you can print it . What was once a physical inventory can now become a digital library , bringing a radically more efficient logic to logistics and eliminating multiple links in the supply chain , such as packaging , warehousing and transport . Moreover , as an additive process , where only the exact amount of required raw materials are used , AM makes waste a thing of the past . Just imagine what this can do for performance throughout all industries . As well as what it means for our planet in the long run ,” commented additive specialist , Sandvik .
“ In additive manufacturing , a complex design is often as easy to produce as a simple one . This means designers can use geometry , rather than bulk , to achieve structural strength with less weight . It ’ s also ideal for components where complex inner shapes – curved channels for instance – can provide new functionalities and efficiencies ,” it added .
AM changes the relationship of scale to production cost . With AM , components can be produced with individual customisations that would be unrealistic with traditional techniques . Prototyping and rapid iteration is now possible without retooling or making new dies .
18 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR April 2022