Additive manufacturing, classification, advantages and disadvantages

Additive Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing (AM) refers to a process by which digital 3D design data is used to build up a component in layers by depositing material. (from the International Committee F42 for Additive Manufacturing Technologies.

•        Wide availability of CAD/CAM software

•        Improved equipment and component technologies, especially low-cost motion systems and high-power lasers

•        A wider library of ‘printable’ materials (filaments, powders, photocurable resins, blends, etc.)

•        Freedom to operate enabled by patent expirations

•        Major industry and government initiatives

•        Momentum, confidence, and creative vision

CLASSIFICATION:

Seven categories:

•        Vat Photopolymerization/Stereolithography

•        Material jetting

•        Binder jetting

•        Material extrusion

•        Powder bed fusion

•        Sheet lamination

•        Directed energy deposition

1)     Vat Photopolymerization/Stereolithography:

2)     Material Jetting

3)     Binder Jetting

4)     Material Extrusion/FDM

5)     Powder Bed Fusion

6)     Sheet Lamination

7)     Directed Energy Deposition

Advantages:

•        Freedom and complexity of design

•        Potential elimination of tooling

•        Lightweight design and consolidation of products

•        Minimal material wastage

•        Elimination of production stages

•        Green and energy efficient manufacturing

Disadvantages:

•        Slow build process

•        High production costs

•        Considerable efforts required for application design

•        Discontinuous production process

•        Limited component size

•        Limited and inconsistent materials

•        Lack of industry standards