Discover Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing can utilize a wide range of materials, depending on the specific technology and application. Here are some common materials used in additive manufacturing:

• Polymers (plastics), such as PLA (Polylactic Acid), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), and Nylon (Polyamid).
• Metals, such as Stainless Steel, Titanium, Aluminum and Copper. 
• Concrete
• Ceramics, such as Aluminium Oxide, Zirconium Dioxide, and Silicate Ceramics.
• Resins, such as Photopolymer Resins, Flexible Resins, and Dental Resins.
• Composites, such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP), and Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP)

We have extensive experience in printing with various materials and alloys. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to learn more.

Additive manufacturing is generally divided into seven process categories (ISO/ASTM 52900:2021), each containing various technologies. The seven categories are:

1. Vat Polymerization (VPP): Vat Polymerization uses a liquid polymer, typically in the form of a photopolymer resin, which is cured layer by layer using a UV light or laser. VPP includes techniques such as Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP). The process is known for producing high-resolution and detailed components with good surface quality.
2. Material Extrusion (MEX): Material Extrusion, also known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), involves melting and extruding a thermoplastic material through a nozzle to build up layers. This process is popular for both prototypes and functional parts, as it is cost-effective and relatively easy to use.
3. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF): Powder Bed Fusion includes techniques like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM), where a powder material is melted and fused layer by layer using a laser or electron beam. The powder base enables high detail and durable parts, and the process is often used for both prototypes and end products in metal or plastic.
4. Material Jetting (MJT): Material Jetting is a process where small droplets of a liquid material, often a polymer or photopolymer resin, are deposited onto a build platform and cured with UV light. MJT allows for high levels of detail and can create complex geometries with multiple materials and colors in a single print.
5. Binder Jetting (BJT): Binder Jetting applies an adhesive binder to a powder material, layer by layer, to bind the particles together. Binder Jetting can be used with both metal and ceramic powders and is particularly effective for producing complex and large parts with good precision at relatively low cost.
6. Directed Energy Deposition (DED): Directed Energy Deposition involves melting and depositing material, typically in the form of powder or wire, onto a specified surface using an energy source like a laser or electron beam. This process is ideal for repairs and adding material to metal components, as well as for manufacturing large, high-strength parts.
7. Sheet Lamination (SHL): Sheet Lamination builds objects by cutting and bonding thin sheets of material, such as paper or plastic, layer by layer. SHL includes techniques like Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM). Sheet Lamination is commonly used to quickly create large, structurally stable parts.

The Application Center for Additive Manufacturing can assist you in selecting the process and technology that best align with your company's needs.

Additive manufacturing offers several strategic advantages for your company. This method enables the production of complex components with high precision and low material waste. By allowing production to take place closer to the customer, lead times can be reduced, and the need for transportation and storage is minimized. As a result, logistics costs are lowered, and the environmental impact is reduced through lower carbon emissions and more efficient resource utilization.

Additional benefits of additive manufacturing:

• Facilitates the use of bio-based or recycled materials.
• Enables quick production of spare parts or repairs for damaged components.
• Complex parts can be made in a single process, eliminating the need for assembly.
• Allows for the creation of lighter components.

Additive manufacturing makes it easier to quickly adapt to market changes and develop innovative solutions that were previously challenging to achieve.