“ In the year ahead , we ’ ll see more additive technology at work on factory floors around the world …”
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
MARKFORGED
“ In the year ahead , we ’ ll see more additive technology at work on factory floors around the world …”
In 2023 , global events coupled with the cost of living crisis have motivated manufacturers across a range of industries to re-think their centralised production models . We ’ ve seen more companies integrate technologies like additive manufacturing ( AM ) into their factory floor operations to work alongside traditional processes , enabling more immediate and costeffective manufacturing on-demand – helping to meet the challenges head on .
Advances in technology are helping to drive this shift away from shortterm solutions-led thinking toward a more strategic approach – using AM for the sustainable production of certified end-use parts , which we ’ ll see more of in the year ahead .
This article explores trends in manufacturing practices , along with Markforged ’ s Senior Product Marketing Manager Daniel Leong ’ s predictions for the role of AM in 2024 .
The continuing trend of personalised and on-demand manufacturing
On-shore production and localised manufacturing practices are already providing businesses with greater flexibility , responsiveness , and resilience in the production process , which I believe is set to continue in the coming year .
I predict we will see more designers , engineers and manufacturers across a variety of industries adopting AM to design , test , create and customise the parts , tools and products they need , when and where they need them .
This AM-fuelled drive toward ondemand manufacturing will also help businesses to reduce their transportation and shipping costs , environmental impact , and product lead time , increasing efficiency .
Smart ( er ) AM
Additive technology is getting smarter . This is due in large part to advances in connected AM platforms that allow machines to collect – and learn from – information with each build . In essence , AI is helping to solve hardware problems with a software solution , creating new opportunities and challenges for AM .
In the year ahead , we will see further integration of data-driven technologies such as sensors , feedback , analytics , artificial intelligence , and the Internet of Things ( IoT ) continuing to enhance the quality , reliability , and efficiency of the AM process and products .
These data-empowered , Smart AM platforms will add another layer of insurance against supply chain challenges , untimely holdups and failures , helping to perfect designs that allow manufacturers to get the best performance and business returns from every part they print .
Faster printing speeds
Smarter AM also means faster AM . In-built calibration and inspection technologies not only optimise part design and accuracy , but help to speed up the 3D printing process . In addition , increased material capacities and automated material changeover capabilities found in the latest machines like Markforged ’ s
FX10 reduce human intervention and bottlenecks , keeping things running smoothly .
Faster , more accurate prints reduce the time and cost of AM and increase its ROI , making it even more competitive than traditional manufacturing methods . This acceleration also helps new adopters of the technology to learn , test and iterate through faster prototyping , enhancing the innovation and learning potential of AM .
Overcoming challenges , together With advancements come new challenges , and two which I believe will have an impact on the adoption rate of AM in the year ahead are regulatory issues and tighter budgets .
Collaboration is essential to help address and overcome these obstacles .
While standards bodies like ASTM have developed a range of AMspecific global standards , there is still work to be done . A lack of clear and consistent guidelines , certifications , and quality assurance can pose risks and barriers to widespread adoption of the technology in industries like aerospace . I ’ m hoping we ’ ll see all parties sit around tables in the coming year to address these issues and challenges and work together to establish workable standards . We will no doubt see more restricted budgets across industries in the new year , making it even more essential for any technology to prove ROI . AM providers and their customers can help to advance adoption rates by highlighting the benefits at
22 PECM Issue 68