What are examples of additive manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a process that creates three-dimensional objects by building up layers of material. There are several different types of additive manufacturing techniques, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Which materials are commonly used in additive manufacturing?

A wide variety of materials can be used in additive manufacturing, depending on the specific technology and application. Some common materials used in additive manufacturing include plastics, resins, metals, ceramics and composites. While these are among the most common used in additive manufacturing, researchers are often experimenting and developing new materials.

Are additive manufacturing and 3D printing the same?

Additive manufacturing and 3D printing are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing. 3D printing refers specifically to the process of creating a three-dimensional object by building up layers of material. It is a subset of additive manufacturing, which is a broader term that encompasses any process that creates an object by adding material to it, layer by layer. In other words, 3D printing is a specific type of additive manufacturing.

Is it expensive to 3D print?

The cost of 3D printing can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the type of printer, the material used and the size and complexity of the object being printed. For industrial production, the cost is significantly higher than it is for hobbyists or small scale production operations. Some industrial 3D printers cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. These printers can be used to produce large-scale, complex parts and have higher production speeds. The cost of materials used in 3D printing also varies widely depending on the type of material used. For example, plastics are normally cheaper than metals. Overall, 3D printing can be expensive, but it can also offer significant cost savings.

Additive Manufacturing | Plant Engineering

Additive Manufacturing October 9, 2023

Nanoscale 3D printing metal technique offers benefits

Caltech researchers have developed a fabrication technique for printing microsized metal parts containing features that are 150 nm.

By Emily Velasco

Additive Manufacturing September 27, 2023

AI-driven tool makes it easy to personalize 3D-printable models

Researchers have developed Style2Fab, which allows makers to rapidly customize models of 3D-printable objects without hampering their functionality. See video.

By Adam Zewe

Additive Manufacturing August 15, 2023

Researcher receives grant to develop 3D printable robots for search-and-rescue operations

A Worcester Polytechnical Institute researchers received an NSF grant to developed 3D-printed robots that swim, crawl, climb and dive for search-and-rescue operations.

By Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Additive Manufacturing July 14, 2023

Highly conductive metallic gel for 3D printing created

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a metallic gel that is highly electrically conductive and can be used to print 3D solid objects at room temperature. See video.

By Matt Shipman

Additive Manufacturing May 11, 2023

Researchers 3D print a miniature vacuum pump

The device would be a key component of a portable mass spectrometer that could help monitor pollutants, perform medical diagnoses in remote areas.

By Adam Zewe

Additive Manufacturing May 5, 2023

How additive manufacturers are improving efficiency, sustainability for the future

Additive manufacturers are expanding and enhancing their reach beyond the printing concept and leveraging their expertise and the potential digital technologies provide.

By Chris Vavra

Additive Manufacturing April 11, 2023

Technique uses humidity to make 3D printing faster, more efficient

Researchers have devised a technique that uses humidity to make 3D printing faster and more efficient for small and complex structures.

By University of Missouri

Additive Manufacturing February 9, 2023

The role of additive manufacturing in the factory of the future

With its ability to create complex shapes and highly customized products, additive manufacturing could revolutionize the way we make things.

By David Spergel