As technology progresses, often so does the way we operate. We develop new ways and techniques to perform various tasks. This is even the case in the world of manufacturing, where additive manufacturing has now become much more prominent.
Additive manufacturing was first developed in the 1980s but has since become much more advanced and easier to implement. Let’s take a closer look and explore what additive manufacturing is and how valuable it may become.
What is Additive Manufacturing?
Many people’s first question is likely, What is additive manufacturing?
Essentially, additive manufacturing means creating a product or object by adding one layer at a time until completion.
This is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, which involves chipping or cutting away at a large portion of raw material until the desired object is achieved.
As mentioned above, additive manufacturing was first used in the 1980s. At this time, it was used more to create product prototypes quickly. However, these prototypes were far from functional. They were merely to show what a scale version of the product would look like. The particular machine that was invented to make these prototypes was the first
Since then, additive manufacturing technologies have only improved, with it now being an efficient method used by large companies like Boeing and General Electric. Moreover,
Types of Additive Manufacturing
While it may seem like all
Sheet Lamination
Sheet lamination is also referred to as laminated object manufacturing (LOM). This additive manufacturing process involves joining sheets of material together to produce a
Sheet lamination begins with laying a sheet of material such as paper down and an adhesive is then rolled across it. After which, another sheet will be laid on top of the other, bonding them together.
Image source: Loughborough University website
Once the desired height or density of sheets is achieved, a knife or
Material Extrusion
Material extrusion is one of the more common types of additive manufacturing. This type involves thermoplastic material pushed through a nozzle to deposit each layer. It is typically the type used within many
Image source: Loughborough University website
FFF works by pushing the material through the heated head, which places a layer based on 3D CAD data. This layer sits on a build platform, which is then lowered by one layer for the nozzle to place the next layer over it. Each layer fuses with the other and cools to bond them together. The material used can vary depending on the type of printer being used. However, the most common material is thermoplastics.
Material Jetting
Material jetting features a print head sitting above the platform which dispenses material in the form of droplets.
Image source: Loughborough University website
However, it doesn’t heat the material with the nozzle as material extrusion does. Instead, liquid resin is dispensed, which is then cured using ultraviolet light. After a layer is placed, the UV light moves over the platform to cure the layer. The platform then moves down and begins the process again.
Binder Jetting
Binder jetting, which is also called
Image source: Loughborough University website
This process uses
Powder Bed Fusion
Powder bed fusion is similar to binder jetting in that it uses a layer of
Image source: Loughborough University website
There are several variants of powder bed fusion, but all of them use a
Vat Photopolymerization
Vat photopolymerization is also commonly referred to as stereolithography. This method uses a vat of liquid photopolymer resin and a UV light source to cure it. A laser is used to create a shape in the resin, which is then cured by the UV light. The build platform will then lower to begin the next layer.
Image source: Loughborough University website
Vat photopolymerization allows for very detailed projects, but they are often not as structural as some other additive manufacturing methods. However, this can often be remedied with support structures. While this is one of the faster additive manufacturing methods, it comes with quite a bit of
Directed Energy Deposition
Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is on the more complex side of additive manufacturing methods. It uses an electron beam or laser to melt material, which is then deposited in the desired location. DED is often employed in repairs or additions to parts. The most common materials used in DED are metal powder or wire, but others include ceramics and polymers. DED offers a high degree of control and accuracy.
Image source: Loughborough University website
The above additive manufacturing examples are only the current technology. There are already other methods under development, and it is expected that we will see even better methods entering the scene down the road.
Additive Manufacturing Certification
The additive manufacturing market is already massive, and it is expected to keep growing. In fact, the additive manufacturing industry has been expanding at a massive rate, with the market expected to hit $74 billion by 2030. This has resulted in numerous additive manufacturing companies looking for employees with skills and knowledge in the industry.
Fortunately, there are now additive manufacturing certification programs that can help those interested make their way into the industry. For instance, SME offers an additive manufacturing program that allows individuals to achieve certification at a fundamentals or technician level.
Ultimately, additive manufacturing offers a much easier and more convenient way for a variety of industries to produce the products, parts, and more they need. With the rapid expansion of the industry, there has never been a better time for individuals to get certified to join a company or start one of their own.
We hope the above helped you understand the field of additive manufacturing. This is already an exciting industry and it will only continue to get better as technology improves. Even better, the wide availability of
We wish you the best in all of your additive manufacturing endeavors!
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FAQ
What is additive manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing involves creating a
How many types of additive manufacturing are there?
There are seven types of additive manufacturing, with these being:
- Sheet Lamination
- Material Extrusion
- Material Jetting
- Binder Jetting
- Power Bed Fusion
- Vat Polymerization
- Directed Energy Deposition
What is the best additive manufacturing method for beginners?
Most
Can I start an additive manufacturing business?
Absolutely! Many excellent
Can you get certified in additive manufacturing?
Yes! There are numerous courses and programs for individuals to pursue knowledge and skills in additive manufacturing. SME offers a certification program that allows you to pursue either fundamental or
This can be an excellent way to get involved in the industry. As a note, SME is not the only certification program out there, so don’t be afraid to browse for one you like. Even several colleges are starting to offer additive manufacturing programs.
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