Overview
Additive manufacturing is the process in which computers design and fabricate a 3 dimensional part by adding materials one layer at a time. Also called 3D printing, this form of production is the opposite of a subtractive manufacturing process like milling which cuts into larger blocks of material to create smaller objects. As a result, less metal, polymer or ceramic is wasted with 3D printing construction. Many industries require 3D printing equipment for use in rapid prototyping or for the fabrication of complex construction parts.
Commonly used in the dental, medical, jewelry and construction industries, the main types of additive manufacturing processes include:
- Binder Jetting
- Direct Energy Deposition
- Material Extrusion
- Material Jetting
- Powder Bed Fusion
- Sheet Lamination
- Vat Polymerization