ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
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 through-out 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 .
The strengths of additive manufacturing lie in those areas where conventional manufacturing reaches its limitations . The technology is of interest where a new approach to design and manufacturing is required to come up with solutions . It enables a design-driven manufacturing process — where design determines production and not the other way around .
Additive manufacturing allows for highly complex structures which can still be extremely light and stable . It provides a high degree of design freedom , the optimisation and integration of functional features , the manufacture of small batch sizes at reasonable unit costs and a high degree of product customisation , even in serial production .
Sandvik and part subsidiary BEAMIT Group can additively manufacture components in super-duplex stainless steel .
“ The use of iron-based and highly corrosion resistant materials in additive manufacturing ( AM ) have seen significant growth in interest during the past few years . This is largely due to the needs of demanding industries , such as the offshore and marine segments , where challenging environments call not only for advanced materials , but for on-demand production of spare parts , to minimise stock while also decreasing material waste ,” commented Sandvik .
But not all components are suitable for metal additive manufacturing . Additive manufacturing remains relatively costly , and many types of components are still produced more cost-effectively at scale with traditional , subtractive methods . Sandvik has produced a checklist for additive manufacturing ; if a component meets any of the criteria below , it told ISMR , it is likely to be a good candidate for printing .
■ Complex shape .
■ Expensive material .
■ Low weight is essential .
■ Revolutionary design .
■ Individual variations ( tailored ).
■ Spare-part ( to reduce lead-times , inventories and Net Working Capital ).
■ Potential to merge sub-parts into one component .
■ A need to reduce assembly time / increase productivity .
■ Smaller series .
The global AM market
Analyst Grand View Research , Inc . estimates that the global additive manufacturing market size will reach US $ 76.16- billion by 2030 , growing at a CAGR of 20.8 % over the forecast period .
“ The growth of the market can be attributed to the growing adoption of Additive Manufacturing ( AM ) in
industrial applications for enhancing production and shortening the time to market . The growing adoption of 3D printers by the incumbents of automotive , healthcare and aerospace & defence , among other industries and industry verticals , is also expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period ,” it said . “ The prototyping segment dominated the
Above : 3D-printed impeller from Sandvik .
Left : Sandvik 3D created the world ’ s first 3D printed , allmetal , smash-proof guitar and challenged guitar virtuoso , Yngwie Malmsteen , to break it .
Above : A 3D metal printer produces a steel part ; revolutionary additive technology for sintering metal parts .
market in 2021 and is expected to expand its revenue share to over 54 % by 2030 . Although the polymer segment accounted for a revenue share of over 50 % in 2021 , the metal segment is expected to increase its revenue share and emerge as the dominant segment over the forecast period . The growth of Asia Pacific is attributed to continued urbanisation , which is prompting incumbents of industries such as automotive , consumer electronics and healthcare ( particularly in countries such as China , Japan and South Korea ) to opt for AM ,” it added .
Addictive manufacturing is also increasingly gaining popularity among hobbyists and innovators , said the analyst . Individuals are using AM for domestic and personal purposes . On the other hand , universities and educational institutes are also using AM technical training .
“ Particularly in developing economies ( such as Brazil , South Africa and India , among others ), machining shops are aggressively installing 3D printers , using additive manufacturing materials and filaments , utilising 3D printer software and offering related services ( such as 3D modelling ) as part of their efforts to adopt alternative business models ,”
explained Grand View Research .
“ North America accounted for the largest revenue share of around 35 % in 2021 as a result of the extensive adoption of 3D printers for 3D designing , 3D modelling and 3D manufacturing across several industries and industry verticals across North America . On the other hand , Asia Pacific is expected to witness remarkable growth over the forecast period .