Industrialisation of Additive Manufacturing

Experience shows that creating a clear business case to justify replacing traditional manufacturing methods with additive manufacturing (AM) can be challenging. Key costs and revenues are often overlooked. A business case for AM should consider the entire value chain. Before committing to industrialising AM, seeking expert guidance can help ensure it becomes a sustainable and profitable long-term solution for your business.

In additive manufacturing, various technologies have reached different levels of maturity. PBF (Powder Bed Fusion), MEX/FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) are currently among the most mature and extensively utilized for industrial applications. These technologies offer proven capabilities in producing precise components with reliable mechanical properties, making them suitable for a wide range of industries. Meanwhile, the industrial readiness of MBJ (Metal Binder Jetting) and DED (Directed Energy Deposition) is progressing rapidly.

For companies preparing to scale up additive manufacturing (AM) to continuous production, navigating the process can be daunting. It's not always clear where to start or how extensive the industrialisation efforts need to be.

Regardless of the scope, it's essential to choose the right equipment, decide whether to train existing staff or hire new specialists, and secure a reliable material supply. In larger-scale operations, your company may need to invest in comprehensive machinery setups, including post-processing equipment, establish material and product qualifications, and implement digital end-to-end capabilities. Continuous staff training and process optimisation also become crucial.

The importance of Occupational Health and Safety 

As with any new manufacturing method, adopting AM also requires careful consideration of occupational health and safety. The introduction of new machinery, materials, chemicals, and processes can introduce risks previously unencountered.