Why is the Popularity of Additive Manufacturing on the Rise?

Metals and Mining Review | Tuesday, August 24, 2021

If the companies want to use additive manufacturing as a viable production process, they must combine material, printer or process, and design to become successful

FREMONT, CA: The proliferation of 3D printing technology across industries demonstrates that businesses of all sizes, large and small, may profit from 3D printing in various ways. Additive manufacturing is a cost-efficient alternative for on-demand production for firms seeking to adopt more agile manufacturing. The technology may be used to create tooling and spare parts as needed, decreasing the necessity to maintain large inventory levels.

3D printing offers design opportunities for organizations experimenting with new design methods. Components with complex geometry, like lattice structures, can be 3D printed, making them hard to make with traditional technologies.

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Additionally, 3D printing allows for mass customization. The expenses of producing customized items in small batches in conventional manufacturing methods, where high-volume mass production is the norm, are unaffordable. Manufacturers may avoid costly tooling expenses by using 3D printing to produce personalized parts faster and more cost-efficiently. 

Many companies remain hesitant 

Despite the advantages, several organizations are hesitant to adopt additive manufacturing. This is especially true for small and medium-sized businesses, which may have restricted resources and find the idea of investment intimidating.

Fortunately, getting started on the path to additive manufacturing doesn't require a considerable upfront investment in the technology or a complete overhaul of the existing business model. A compelling AM journey begins with a thorough examination of AM abilities before introducing the technology into existing operations.

Ways to Succeed with Additive Manufacturing 

Create a personal excellence center

Establishing a center of excellence (CoE) is an excellent approach to managing additive manufacturing adoption and implementation.

A center of excellence (CoE) is a group or facility established to support business goals and advance the company's knowledge in a particular field, for example, additive manufacturing. Identifying the appropriate use cases and techniques and distributing them across the organization will rely heavily on the CoE.

Creating such a team will necessitate involvement from important stakeholders, such as production personnel and engineers. The method isn't without its difficulties, not least since additive manufacturing differs significantly from traditional production procedures. It entails reconsidering traditional design, manufacturing, and supply chain management practices.

Partner with universities and research institutions

Another strategy to encourage AM adoption within the company is to form collaborative connections with universities and research facilities. 

A collaboration like this has mutual benefits. On the one hand, businesses will have more access to highly advanced research and scientific talent. Universities, on the other hand, have access to financial support and research partners.

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