FAQs

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...]

Building parts using additive processes depends on selecting the right material for the additive process, the design, and the end-use application. Additive manufacturing differs significantly from classic processes such as injection molding, and … [Read more...]

As with any additive manufacturing system, Multi Jet Fusion has its own set of limitations and considerations when designing for the build process. In many ways designing for Multi Jet Fusion is similar to designing for other powder bed fusion … [Read more...]