FAQs

According to a 2018 report from Sculpteo, respondents said they use 3D printing and additive manufacturing for the following: 17% -- industrial goods, 12% -- consumer goods, 7% -- aeronautical or aerospace applications, 6% -- … [Read more...]

As of 2018, 7 trends will influence the development and acceptance of 3D printing. These trends are: --Cost decrease --Innovation in materials --Metal 3D printing --Faster additive manufacturing --Medical 3D printing and … [Read more...]

According to a recent survey published in the 2018 edition of Sculpteo’s The State of 3D printing, those surveyed are using this technology to: --Accelerate product development (39%). (In 2017, this figure was 28%, yet still the number one reason … [Read more...]

A couple of additive developers do offer ways to add electronics into the additive build cycle to create components, such as sensors. One example is a fiber optic strain sensor, made through the technology offered by Fabrisonic. The Fabrisonic’s … [Read more...]

Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM), and most laser powder based fusion as a technology, will deliver a number of benefits if used well. Part of the issue is the need to think outside the design box and take advantage of the unique way AM builds … [Read more...]

Most 3D printed or additively made metal parts will need additional finishing or post-processing to achieve a suitable surface finish. The media, compound, and equipment used affect how much material is removed. In general, most finishing … [Read more...]

Any decision to use 3D printing, machining, or injection molding should begin with the answer to one key question-- “How will the part be used?” Are you looking for a concept part or a final production part? Are you testing a material? Are … [Read more...]

Large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems are machines that produce very large parts, way larger than the more typical 6 in. to a foot sized parts. Large parts are often multiple feet in length or width. Large format additive systems … [Read more...]

The additive process creates parts differently than either machining or injection molding. Additive processes tend to be low- or no-pressure process compared, for example, to the high pressures of injection molding. Additive manufacturing often … [Read more...]