Introduction
Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, has evolved significantly since its inception in the early 1980s, revolutionizing the production of complex parts across various industries. It contrasts with traditional subtractive and forming processes by adding material layer by layer, resulting in unique advantages such as material efficiency, design flexibility, and rapid prototyping. The chapter outlines different classifications of AM processes, key steps involved, and highlights its impact on modern manufacturing.
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What we have learnt
- Additive Manufacturing adds material layer by layer, differing from subtractive and forming processes.
- AM offers several advantages including material efficiency, rapid prototyping, and design flexibility.
- The classification of AM processes includes categories like vat photopolymerization, material jetting, binder jetting, and more.
Key Concepts
- -- Additive Manufacturing
- A process of creating objects layer by layer, often called 3D printing.
- -- Stereolithography (SLA)
- The first commercial 3D printing technology developed in 1984 involving curing liquid resin with light.
- -- Material Efficiency
- The use of only the required material in production, resulting in minimal waste.
- -- Rapid Prototyping
- The fast turnaround from design to production, allowing multiple iterations.
- -- Design Flexibility
- The ability to modify designs easily without the need for new tools or hardware.
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