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6 reasons why the additive manufacturing industry is key

Additive manufacturing is a trend that has set the manufacturing industry on its head. It is a breakthrough technology that is dynamic and versatile and there is a variety of additive manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing tools have been applied to many disparate industries and will likely only grow in necessity.

The global 3D printing market size is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 20.8 percent from 2022 to 2030. Some of the benefits of additive manufacturing that are garnering so much attention include:

  • Continuously falling costs
  • Less hands-on inventory
  • Improved part reliability
  • Supports AI-driven design methods
The global 3D printing market size is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 20.8 percent from 2022 to 2030. (Photo internet reproduction)
The global 3D printing market size is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 20.8 percent from 2022 to 2030. (Photo internet reproduction)

THE NATURE OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is the process of constructing a 3-dimensional object from a CAD model or digital 3D model. It builds these objects one layer at a time and each layer bonds to the one beneath it as it is in a state of melting. As the materials cure, they fuse together to take their final form.

Additive printing is in a constant, accelerated state of growth. The requisite equipment continues to be improved upon and the parts created from new materials rival or exceed the functionality of those in traditionally made objects.

There are many advantages to employing additive technology, which is why many businesses are turning to it. In fact, there is aggressive research and development in 3D capability and compatibility from several industry verticals, including:

  • Aerospace and defense industry
  • Healthcare industry
  • Automotive industry
  • Save on Waste and Energy

3D printing allows businesses to save money, time and resources dealing with waste. Because it fabricates an object layer by layer rather than creating an item from a large piece of plastic or metal, 3D printing is capable of producing between 70 and 90 percent less scrap waste in certain industries.

THE IMPORTANT USES IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

Additive manufacturing has been tested and proven to work in the zero-gravity atmosphere of outer space. With the application of 3D printing, aerospace tooling & machining is trending toward better quality tools and products that are more cost-effective than at present.

One reason for the rise of additive printing in the aerospace industry is the need for ever-increasingly complicated components produced from high-performance composites and alloys with tighter tolerance.

OTHER FIELDS IMPROVED BY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

As stated, 3D printing capabilities are expanding into more and more fields. While real-world applications include creating useful items across the board as well as replacement parts. The healthcare industry utilizes additive manufacturing in many ways. It has greatly reduced the time it takes to manufacture products such as hearing aids and orthopedics. It is also used by surgeons to better prepare for surgeries. Other fields that employ 3D printing include:

  • Architecture
  • Electronics
  • Robotics
  • Fashion
  • Footwear
  • Jewelry

Additive manufacturing will be used in tandem with reconditioning services and will certainly shape the future of how many industries invest in their manufacturing operations. Businesses and consumers alike have fallen in love with its ever-burgeoning capabilities. Visit an industrial manufacturing website to see what kinds of additive manufacturing products are currently on the market.

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