Embedded Files
What is "Additive Manufacturing"?
What is "Additive Manufacturing"?
Additive Manufacturing (AM) - AKA 3D-Printing - is a process of building parts by adding layers of material on top of each other until the desired shape is achieved. The material can be in the form of powders, filaments, or liquids, and can include a wide range of materials such as plastics, metals, ceramics, and even living cells.
AM is a key technology in Industry 4.0, as it allows for the rapid and flexible production of parts, customized to specific needs, with reduced costs and environmental impact.
Overall, AM has the potential to transform manufacturing processes, disrupt existing industries, and create new opportunities for innovation and sustainability. While the full impact of AM on society is still uncertain, it is clear that this technology will play a significant role in shaping the future of manufacturing and society as a whole.
History of AM
History of AM
The history of AM dates back to the 1980s, although some of the key technologies and ideas that underpin AM can be traced back to the mid-20th century. Here is a brief history of AM:
1950s-1960s: Researchers began exploring the use of various technologies, such as photopolymerization and stereolithography, to create three-dimensional objects.
1970s: Researchers at the University of Utah developed a process called "stereolithography," which involved using a laser to solidify layers of liquid polymer. This technology laid the foundation for many of the AM processes that are used today.
1980s: A number of different AM processes were developed, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and laminated object manufacturing (LOM). These technologies enabled the rapid prototyping of parts and paved the way for the use of AM in manufacturing.
1990s: AM began to be used in a range of applications, from prototyping to small-scale production. The aerospace and automotive industries were early adopters of AM, using the technology to produce complex parts with high precision.
2000s: AM continued to grow in popularity, with advances in materials, software, and hardware making the technology more accessible and cost-effective. The medical industry also began to adopt AM, using it to produce customized implants and prosthetics.
2010s: AM continued to expand into new applications and industries, with the rise of "desktop" 3D printing making the technology accessible to individuals and small businesses. Additive manufacturing also began to be used in large-scale production, with companies such as GE and Airbus using the technology to produce parts for their products.
2020s: Advances in materials science have led to the development of new materials that are better suited for AM, including high-performance polymers and metals. The use of AM in the production of medical devices has also continued to expand, with 3D-printed organs and tissues becoming a reality. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of supply chain resilience and the potential of AM to address supply chain disruptions. When the pandemic caused shutdowns and disruptions to traditional manufacturing and supply chain operations, AM emerged as a valuable tool for producing critical medical supplies and equipment, as well as for other industries.
Today AM is a rapidly growing field, with a wide range of applications and technologies. While the full impact of AM on manufacturing and society is still uncertain, it is clear that this technology will play a significant role in shaping the future of manufacturing and society as a whole.
The first 3D printed part, produced by Chuck Hull in 1983.
On December 29, 2014, NASA Engineers emailed a file up to Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), who then used an on-board 3D-Printer to produce to part - a 3-in.lb., print-in-place Torque Ratchet.
On March 22, 2023, Relativity Space's Terran 1 rocket "GLHF" successfully launched from earth to space encompassing many historic firsts, most importantly being the first nearly entirely (~85%) 3D printed rocket to fly and prove 3D printing is viable by passing Max-Q, the max stress on the rocket.
AM - Disruptive or Transformative?
AM - Disruptive or Transformative?
The impact of additive manufacturing (AM) on manufacturing processes and supply chains is likely to be significant, and whether it is seen as disruptive or transformative depends on a range of factors, including:
Existing Manufacturing Processes: AM has the potential to disrupt existing manufacturing processes, particularly those that rely on traditional tooling and machining techniques. If AM is used to replace or significantly alter these processes, it could be seen as disruptive. However, if AM is used to complement existing processes, for example by producing complex parts that are difficult to manufacture traditionally, it could be seen as transformative.
Supply Chains: AM has the potential to disrupt traditional supply chains, particularly those that rely on long-distance shipping and large inventories of parts. If AM is used to produce parts on-demand, closer to the point of use, it could disrupt existing supply chains. However, if AM is used to enable distributed manufacturing and local production, it could be seen as transformative.
Economic Impact: The economic impact of AM will depend on how it is used and who benefits from its adoption. If AM is used to produce products more efficiently and cost-effectively, it could lead to lower prices and increased competition. This could be seen as disruptive for established players in the industry. However, if AM is used to create new products and industries, it could be seen as transformative, leading to new job opportunities and economic growth.
Organizational Adaptability: The adoption of AM requires a shift in mindset and culture, as well as the ability to adapt to new technologies, processes, and organizational structures. AM requires new skills and expertise, such as 3D design and programming, which may not be present in traditional manufacturing organizations. In addition, AM requires a different approach to product development and production, which may challenge existing organizational structures and processes. Organizations that are flexible and adaptable are better equipped to take advantage of the benefits of AM, such as increased efficiency, reduced lead times, and enhanced customization.
Overall, whether AM is seen as disruptive or transformative will depend on how it is used and how it impacts existing manufacturing processes and supply chains. While the full impact of AM on manufacturing and society is still uncertain, it is clear that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce and consume goods.
1.1✔ CHECKPOINT
1.1✔ CHECKPOINT
Your Thoughts on AM
Your Thoughts on AM
What was your first experience seeing or interacting with 3D-Printing of any kind? What was it? What did you think of it?
What are your thoughts (positive, negative, or otherwise) on the use of AM in industry and society, both currently and looking forward to the future?
If you could have something be 3D-Printed that isn't currently, what would that thing be, and why?
What do you think are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AM, and how do we ensure that the technology is developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner?
What are some of the most innovative or exciting applications of 3D-Printing that you have seen recently, and how do you see them evolving in the future?
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse