Struggling to find a reliable additive manufacturing partner for your next big project? With so many options out there—and every factory claiming to be the best—the search can feel overwhelming and risky. The right supplier will save you time, money, and endless headaches, delivering quality parts exactly when you need them. Imagine what you could achieve with a trusted, top-rated factory by your side! Ready to discover the industry leaders? Let’s dive in and find your perfect manufacturing match.
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Additive Manufacturing | Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier
Product Details:
Additive Manufacturing is a peer-reviewed journal publishing high-quality research papers and reviews on innovations, technologies, methods, materials, systems, and applications related to additive manufacturing. It serves both academia and industry stakeholders.
Technical Parameters:
– Covers new additive manufacturing technologies, processes, and enhancements
– Focuses on multi-material components, heterogeneous design, and modeling across
– Includes topics on advanced materials: mechanical, electrical, chemical,
– Addresses hybrid systems, closed-loop control, and advanced applications such
Application Scenarios:
– Medical additive manufacturing and bio-printing
– Manufacturing for space and in-space environments
– Creation of multi-functional robotic and electromechanical systems
– Production of 3D electronics, metamaterials, and components with optimized
Pros:
– Broad coverage of the latest innovations and research in additive manufacturing
– Peer-reviewed content ensures high academic and industry credibility
– Focuses on disruptive and transformative manufacturing trends, including
– Affiliation with America Makes, a recognized national innovation institute
Cons:
– Primarily a journal publication; does not itself offer tangible product
– Content may be too technical or research-focused for non-specialist audiences
Additive manufacturing, explained – MIT Sloan
Product Details:
Additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) technology that creates objects by building them layer by layer from a digital design file, using materials such as polymers, metals, and ceramics.
Technical Parameters:
– Utilizes digital design files to control manufacturing process
– Employs materials including polymers, metals, and ceramics
– Constructs objects layer by layer
– Can produce complex geometries not feasible with traditional manufacturing
Application Scenarios:
– Rapid prototyping for product development
– Production of custom medical implants and devices
– Manufacturing of aerospace parts
– Creation of lightweight automotive components
Pros:
– Enables rapid prototyping and quicker product development cycles
– Allows for highly customized and complex designs
– Reduces material waste compared to traditional subtractive manufacturing
– Facilitates decentralized and on-demand production
Cons:
– Slower than traditional manufacturing for mass production
– Limited range of printable materials and material properties
– Potentially higher unit costs for large-scale manufacturing
– Post-processing is often required to achieve desired finish or strength
What is Additive Manufacturing? | Department of Energy
Product Details:
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, involves building three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital model using materials like plastics, metals, and composites.
Technical Parameters:
– Uses digital design files to guide manufacturing processes
– Works with materials such as plastics, metals, and composites
– Enables layer-by-layer construction for complex geometries
– Compatible with multiple additive manufacturing techniques (e.g., extrusion,
Application Scenarios:
– Rapid prototyping for product development
– On-demand production of spare parts
– Manufacturing complex or customized components for aerospace, automotive,
Pros:
– Enables rapid prototyping and reduced product development timelines
– Offers high design flexibility and the ability to produce complex shapes
– Reduces material waste compared to traditional subtractive manufacturing
– Can decrease energy use and manufacturing costs for certain applications
Cons:
– Limited by speed and scalability for large-scale production
– Material selection and properties may be restricted compared to conventional
What is Additive manufacturing? | 7 Additive Manufacturing types
Product Details:
Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, involves creating three-dimensional objects by successive layering of materials directly from digital models. The core offerings include seven main AM processes: Vat Photopolymerisation, Material Extrusion, Material Jetting, Binder Jetting, Powder Bed Fusion, Directed Energy Deposition, and Sheet Lamination. Each process has unique methods, applicable materials, and technology subtypes.
Technical Parameters:
– Creates 3D objects layer-by-layer from CAD-generated digital models.
– Vat Photopolymerisation uses photopolymers cured by ultraviolet light
– Binder Jetting selectively deposits a bonding agent onto powder materials (no
– Directed Energy Deposition uses lasers, electron beams, or plasma arcs to melt
Application Scenarios:
– High-resolution part production for dentistry and jewellery (Vat Photopolymerisa
– Creation of complex geometries not possible with traditional manufacturing.
– Prototyping and industrial part fabrication with reduced waste.
Pros:
– Enables production of intricate, complex geometries.
– Reduces material waste compared to subtractive manufacturing.
– Supports a variety of materials including plastics, metals, and ceramics.
– Direct fabrication from digital CAD files streamlines the design-to-product
Cons:
– Some processes are limited to specific materials (e.g., Vat Photopolymerisation
– Core techniques may be similar despite different commercial marketing terms.
– Technology and material variety can add complexity to process selection.
What is Additive Manufacturing? (Definition & Types) – TWI
Product Details:
TWI provides services and support related to additive manufacturing, including technical support, product and process development, equipment directories, technology acquisition, engineering consultancy, manufacturing and production support, failure analysis and repair, and prototyping.
Application Scenarios:
– Aerospace industry applications
– Automotive manufacturing
– Medical equipment and healthcare industries
– Oil and gas sector
Pros:
– Comprehensive technical support across the additive manufacturing process
– Expertise in multiple industry sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and
– Offer prototyping and process development to accelerate innovation
Cons:
– Technical parameters and specific technology capabilities are not detailed on
– Potential complexity in matching precise services to specific customer needs
What Is Additive Manufacturing?- Types And Working – The Engineering Choice
Product Details:
Additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) services and solutions, utilizing various processes (such as Sintering, DMLS, DMLM/EBM, SLA) to create components from digital designs using materials like thermoplastics, metals, ceramics, and biochemicals.
Technical Parameters:
– Uses CAD software or 3D object scanners for precise, layer-by-layer material
– Technologies include Sintering (thermoplastics/metals), Direct Metal Laser
– Supports a wide range of materials: ABS, PLA, PC (thermoplastics), stainless
– Printing time ranges from a few minutes to several hours or days, depending on
Application Scenarios:
– Production of lighter, stronger parts and systems for industrial use.
– Prototyping and production of complex geometric components for sectors like
– Fabrication of jet engine parts, medical implants, and custom-designed objects.
– Creation of food items, experimental biomedical materials, and high-temperature-
Pros:
– Enables complex geometries and intricate designs that are difficult or
– Reduces material waste by building parts additively rather than subtractively.
– Increases production flexibility and efficiency, supporting rapid prototyping
– Supports a wide variety of materials, including advanced alloys, ceramics, and
Cons:
– Print times can be lengthy, especially for high-resolution or large-volume
– Quality and resolution settings impact production speed and may increase costs.
– Some AM processes or materials may have limitations regarding mechanical
What is Additive Manufacturing? Definition, Types, & Trends
Product Details:
Additive manufacturing (AM) software solutions that translate digital designs into real-world items using a variety of 3D printing technologies. Solutions are designed to integrate with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and quality management systems (QMS) for streamlined production, tracking, quality, and compliance.
Technical Parameters:
– Supports seven AM processes: powder bed fusion, vat photopolymerization, binder
– Software workflow includes: solid model repair, build preparation, slicing/tool
– Integration capabilities with MES and QMS for real-time data management,
– Ability to manage rapid prototyping, support intricate geometries, and both
Application Scenarios:
– Automotive and transportation: rapid prototyping and part manufacturing.
– Aviation and aerospace: production of intricate or difficult-to-manufacture
– Medical industry: creation of prototypes, finished products, and potentially
– Industrial manufacturing: on-demand part fabrication and low-volume production.
Pros:
– Enables rapid prototyping and quick turnaround from digital design to physical
– Can create parts and geometries impossible with traditional manufacturing
– Lower overall cost for small batch or highly customized components.
– Enhanced traceability, quality control, and integration with existing
Cons:
– AM tends to produce rougher surfaces that may require post-processing (e.g.,
– Generally slower than traditional subtractive manufacturing processes for large
– Best suited for small items; not as optimal for bulk manufacturing of large
– Certain processes are predominantly limited to specific materials (e.g.,
What is 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing? – 3DSourced
Product Details:
The company provides guides, reviews, and resources on 3D printing (additive manufacturing), covering technologies such as FDM and resin 3D printers, including recommendations for budget printers and related software like CAD and 3D slicers.
Technical Parameters:
– Main 3D printer types: FDM (plastic filament) and resin (liquid resin cured by
– Layer heights as small as 0.01mm; budget printers typically support 0.1mm or 0
– Files required: STL, OBJ, or GCODE formats
– Requires 3D slicing software (e.g., Cura) and materials (filament or resin)
Application Scenarios:
– Rapid prototyping for testing new designs
– Creating custom parts
– Applications in industries such as medicine, automotive, and jewelry
Pros:
– Low cost and versatile: can create almost any shape with various materials
– Minimal material waste compared to subtractive manufacturing
– Easy to use, accessible even to beginners
– Supports high accuracy and detailed builds with small layer heights
Cons:
– Professional-grade printers (e.g., SLS) are expensive and complex for hobbyists
– Higher accuracy printers usually cost more
– Large numbers of layers (hundreds) may increase print time
Ask an MIT professor: What is additive manufacturing and why is it …
Product Details:
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, refers to a group of innovative manufacturing technologies that create objects by adding material layer by layer, guided by digital designs.
Technical Parameters:
– Utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) files to direct the 3D printing process
– Involves layer-by-layer fabrication of parts from metals, plastics, or
– Enables creation of complex geometries not possible with traditional
– Allows customized fabrication and rapid prototyping
Application Scenarios:
– Manufacture of lightweight and complex aerospace components
– Custom medical devices such as implants and prosthetics
– Automotive prototyping and performance parts
– Low-volume, customized product production
Pros:
– Enables rapid prototyping and iterative design
– Facilitates design of highly complex or customized parts
– Reduces material waste compared to traditional manufacturing
– Allows for on-demand and decentralized production
Cons:
– Can have limitations in build size and production speed compared to traditional
– Material choices and properties may be limited depending on technology
– Potential higher unit cost for mass production
Additive Manufacturing (AM) – AM showcases the latest technology and …
Product Details:
Additive Manufacturing (AM) provides up-to-date coverage of the additive manufacturing industry, including new technologies, case studies, resources, interviews, and event information related to 3D printing and digital manufacturing. The website also highlights products like the Method XL 3D Printer, offers digital continuity solutions for aerospace, and features collaborations advancing manufacturing technologies.
Technical Parameters:
– Method XL 3D Printer delivers high accuracy and precision for engineering
– AddUp’s digital continuity solutions integrated with Dassault Systèmes for
– Focus on IN-718 material additive manufacturing for aerospace sector
Application Scenarios:
– Aerospace manufacturing and digital continuity
– Automotive and engineering component prototyping
– Medical and dental applications
– Production of consumer goods, construction components, and energy sector parts
Pros:
– Showcases latest industry technology and developments
– Provides in-depth case studies and expert insights
– Covers regulatory, quality, and supply chain aspects of additive manufacturing
– Highlights innovations for high-precision engineering applications
Cons:
– Limited direct access to detailed technical specifications for individual
– Dependent on third-party collaborations and events for technology advancements
Comparison Table
| Company | Product Details | Pros | Cons | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additive Manufacturing | Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier | Additive Manufacturing is a peer-reviewed journal publishing high-quality | Broad coverage of the latest innovations and research in additive manufacturing |
| Additive manufacturing, explained – MIT Sloan | Additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) technology that creates | Enables rapid prototyping and quicker product development cycles Allows for | Slower than traditional manufacturing for mass production Limited range of | mitsloan.mit.edu |
| What is Additive Manufacturing? | Department of Energy | Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, involves building | Enables rapid prototyping and reduced product development timelines Offers high | Limited by speed and scalability for large-scale production Material selection |
| What is Additive manufacturing? | 7 Additive Manufacturing types | Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, involves creating | Enables production of intricate, complex geometries. Reduces material waste | Some processes are limited to specific materials (e.g., Vat Photopolymerisation |
| What is Additive Manufacturing? (Definition & Types) – TWI | TWI provides services and support related to additive manufacturing, including | Comprehensive technical support across the additive manufacturing | Technical parameters and specific technology capabilities are not detailed on | www.twi-global.com |
| What Is Additive Manufacturing?- Types And Working – The Engineering Choice | Additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) services and solutions, | Enables complex geometries and intricate designs that are difficult or | Print times can be lengthy, especially for high-resolution or large-volume | www.theengineeringchoice.com |
| What is Additive Manufacturing? Definition, Types, & Trends | Additive manufacturing (AM) software solutions that translate digital designs | Enables rapid prototyping and quick turnaround from digital design to physical | AM tends to produce rougher surfaces that may require post-processing (e.g., | softwareconnect.com |
| What is 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing? – 3DSourced | The company provides guides, reviews, and resources on 3D printing (additive | Low cost and versatile: can create almost any shape with various materials Minim | Professional-grade printers (e.g., SLS) are expensive and complex for | www.3dsourced.com |
| Ask an MIT professor: What is additive manufacturing and why is it … | Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, refers to a group of | Enables rapid prototyping and iterative design Facilitates design of highly | Can have limitations in build size and production speed compared to traditional | openlearning.mit.edu |
| Additive Manufacturing (AM) – AM showcases the latest technology and … | Additive Manufacturing (AM) provides up-to-date coverage of the additive | Showcases latest industry technology and developments Provides in-depth case | Limited direct access to detailed technical specifications for individual | additivemanufacturing.com |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I evaluate the quality of an additive manufacturing factory?
Start by checking their certifications (like ISO 9001), client reviews, and samples of previous work. Ask about their quality control processes and see if they offer material traceability or in-house testing. A reputable factory will be transparent and eager to share these details.
What factors should I consider when choosing an additive manufacturing supplier?
Consider their experience with your required materials and technologies, production capacity, lead times, cost structure, and willingness to support design improvements. Good communication and responsiveness are also key for a smooth project experience.
How can I be sure a manufacturer can handle my project’s complexity?
Review their portfolio to find similar completed projects and ask specific technical questions about your designs. Request case studies, references, or prototypes to verify their ability to meet complex geometries and tolerances.
Is it better to choose a local or overseas additive manufacturing factory?
Local suppliers may offer faster turnaround and easier communication, while overseas options can be more cost-effective. Weigh factors such as shipping times, potential customs issues, costs, and the need for hands-on collaboration when making your choice.
What is the typical process for starting a project with an additive manufacturing factory?
Usually, you’ll submit your 3D model or design files, discuss requirements, then receive a quote and production timeline. After approval, they’ll print a prototype for validation, followed by full production. Open communication ensures your needs are met every step of the way.