BeginnerTopic 27 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
Additive manufacturing
3D printing builds parts layer by layer.
In depth
AM builds parts layer by layer from 3D models: FDM/FFF (thermoplastic filament), SLA/DLP (photopolymer), SLS (polymer powder), SLM/DMLS (metal powder), binder jetting, DED. Advantages: complexity, customisation, low tooling; limits: speed, surface finish, anisotropy, cost, certification.
Key points
- Support structures
- Build orientation
- Post-processing
ExampleAerospace fuel nozzles are 3D printed in one piece instead of welding 20 parts.
What is Additive manufacturing?
3D printing builds parts layer by layer.
Why is it important to understand additive manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing builds complex shapes directly from digital models, which suits prototypes, custom parts and lightweight designs.
What are the main additive processes?
Fused deposition of plastic filament, powder bed fusion of metal or polymer, stereolithography resin curing and directed energy deposition.
What are the limits of 3D printing?
Speed, surface finish, size and material properties can be limited, and the layer-by-layer structure may make parts anisotropic.
How is Additive manufacturing used in practice?
Typical applications include printing a prototype housing to test fit before tooling is made, producing a lattice bracket that is too complex to machine and making a custom surgical guide from a patient scan.
What should I learn before Additive manufacturing?
Study "CAM" first (topic 26 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Additive manufacturing?
Support structures. Build orientation. Post-processing.
Can you give an example of Additive manufacturing?
Aerospace fuel nozzles are 3D printed in one piece instead of welding 20 parts.
What comes after Additive manufacturing?
The next topic is "Plastic and composite manufacturing", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Additive manufacturing?
It is classed as Beginner in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 27 of 102). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.