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Additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, is at the height of innovation in manufacturing processes, but what is its place in the future of the industry? 

The manufacturing industry has been through many periods of change, where new and improved methods of processing have been introduced with benefits to time, cost and quality. Corrotherm follows and tracks these changes to highlight those that are going to have a big place in the future, so that we can stay ahead of the game.

The industry is facing its next big change, with the growth in popularity of ‘additive manufacturing’. More commonly known as 3D printing, additive manufacturing within the metalworking process is achieved through Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). This involves using a laser that is fired into powdered metal, following points from a 3D file, welding it together to form a solid product.

Our CEO Jan Ward recently shared her insights into the topic of additive manufacturing, looking at the different grades of metals used in the process, in an article for a specialist 3D magazine, which we covered on the blog back in March. In this feature, Jan says: “Now heralded as the second, third and, sometimes even, the fourth Industrial Revolution… what cannot be denied is the impact that 3D printing is having on the industrial sector and the huge potential that it demonstrates for the future of consumers.”

There has been a notable increase in the funding for research into additive manufacturing over the last few years, as detailed in a government report: Mapping UK Research and Innovation in Additive Manufacturing. According to the report, in the UK in 2012 £15 million was spent on research funding, but in 2014, that figure was nearer £30 million. As well as increased funding, more organisations in the country have been getting involved in research projects into additive manufacturing – mainly in the commercial sector.

This research is essential if additive manufacturing is going to be the future of the industry, as there are a lot of problems that need ironing out. For example, slow build rates and the high cost of components make other manufacturing methods both quicker and cheaper. Speed is certainly of the essence in a mainstream manufacturing environment, as components need to be made in bulk, rather than individually. There have been breakthroughs in this area,as outlined in an article on The Manufacturer, which highlights current projects that are increasing output speed and volume.

Another big issue that additive manufacturing is facing is the lack of skilled workers to operate such new ideas. There needs to be more spent on the education of designers and engineers to help propel the technology into the mainstream.

There are real possible benefits to additive manufacturing, which make the continued research into this area so important. There is a lot less waste, as only the material that is needed for a part is used. Changes to a component can be made simply, by adjusting the 3D model design and a getting new part ‘printed’.

We believe that there is great potential in the additive manufacturing arena and we think that it is going to be the future of the industry. But it is going to take more research, more funding and more players in the market before it replaces standard processing procedures. While still in its infancy, 3D printing is likely to be a revolution in manufacturing – and we’re excited to watch its growth over the next few years. 

Topics: Corrotherm News

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