• AM excels at tasks with the following characteristics:

  • Complexity: Good tasks for AM are those that are too complex or too difficult to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. AM can produce intricate geometries, internal structures, and curved shapes that are difficult or impossible to create using traditional methods.

  • Customization: AM is particularly well-suited for creating customized products. Good tasks for AM involve creating products that are tailored to individual customers' needs or preferences, such as custom prosthetics or dental implants.

  • Low-Volume Production: AM is a cost-effective way to produce low volumes of products. Good tasks for AM involve producing small quantities of parts or products, such as aerospace components or medical devices.

  • Material Properties: AM can produce parts with unique material properties that are difficult to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. Good tasks for AM involve creating parts that require specific material properties, such as parts with high strength-to-weight ratios or high thermal conductivity.

• Conversely, AM does not excel or compete at tasks that include:

  • Simple Geometries: AM is not always the most efficient method for producing simple geometric shapes. These can often be produced more quickly and cost-effectively using traditional manufacturing methods such as injection molding or casting.

  • High-Volume Production: AM can be time-consuming and expensive for high-volume production runs. For example, producing thousands of identical parts may be better suited to traditional manufacturing methods.

  • Large, Heavy, or Bulky Parts: AM is typically limited in terms of the size and weight of the parts it can produce. Producing large, heavy, or bulky parts may require specialized equipment or multiple print jobs, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

  • Parts with Strict Tolerances: AM can produce parts with high accuracy and precision, but there are limits to the tolerances that can be achieved. Parts with very strict tolerance requirements may need to be produced using traditional manufacturing methods or via hybrid processes.

Aerospace

Manufacturing lightweight and complex components for aircraft and spacecraft, reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency. It also enables the rapid production of prototypes and replacement parts. 

Automotive

Production of lightweight and complex parts to improve fuel efficiency and performance. It also allows for the creation of customized components and rapid prototyping for design evaluation. 

Construction

The use of AM in the construction industry has the potential to revolutionize the way buildings are designed and constructed. It offers significant benefits in terms of cost, time, design flexibility, and sustainability. 

Dental

Manufacturing of dental crowns, bridges, and implants with high precision and customization. It reduces production time and cost compared to traditional methods. 

Conventional Manufacturing Processes

Creation of molds, fixtures, and tooling for use in traditional manufacturing processes. AM can reduce lead times and costs associated with creating these tools. 

Medical

Production of customized implants, prosthetics, and surgical tools tailored to individual patients. It enables the creation of complex, porous structures that facilitate integration with the human body. 

Electronics

Production of customized electronic components, such as circuit boards, sensors, and antennas. AM enables rapid prototyping and the integration of complex geometries.

Energy

Manufacturing of complex and efficient components for the renewable energy sector, such as wind turbine blades, fuel cells, and solar panel components. It can help improve the performance and durability of energy systems.

Robotics

Manufacturing of lightweight, customized, and complex robotic components that can enhance the performance and capabilities of robots.

Biomanufacturing

Creation of tissue structures and organs for research, drug testing, and eventually transplantation. AM allows precise control over the placement of cells and biomaterials, enabling the construction of complex biological structures.

Architecture

Production of scale models and prototypes for design evaluation and communication. It allows architects to visualize and test their designs more effectively, as well as clearly show their clients the end result before building. 

Art

Artists use AM to create intricate and unique sculptures, jewelry, and other works of art. It enables new forms of expression by allowing the production of complex shapes not possible with traditional methods.

Assistive Devices

Production of customized and adaptive devices for individuals with disabilities, such as wheelchair components, hearing aids, and orthotics. AM enables personalized solutions that improve the quality of life for people with special needs.

Entertainment

Creation of props, set pieces, and costumes for film, theater, and television. AM allows for rapid prototyping and production of unique and complex designs.

Consumer Products

Creation of customized and personalized products, such as phone cases, toys, and home decor items. AM enables small-scale, on-demand production. 

Education

3D printing is used in schools and universities to teach design, engineering, and manufacturing concepts. It fosters creativity and innovation by allowing students to prototype their ideas quickly. Additionally, it can be used to easily create physical visual demonstration pieces of theoretical concepts, such as internal bodily organs, math, physics, chemistry, etc.

Food

3D printing of edible materials to create intricate designs, textures, and structures. It offers new possibilities for presentation, personalization, and nutritional optimization in the culinary industry.

Fashion/Clothing

Production of customized and intricate clothing, footwear, and accessories using a variety of materials, including polymers, textiles, and metals. It enables designers to create unique and innovative fashion items. 

Restoration and Archaeology

Recreation of historical artifacts and architectural elements for restoration and preservation purposes. AM can help maintain cultural heritage by enabling accurate reproductions of original items.

DIY and Maker Movement

AM empowers individuals to design, create, and customize their own products at home or in makerspaces. This fosters creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.