Registration for Formnext Forum Austin is open. Join our sister brand, Additive Manufacturing Media, at this conference and expo for industrial 3D printing, August 28-30, 2023.
Additive manufacturing (AM) refers to the application of 3D printing to create functional, industrial components including prototypes, tooling and end-use production parts. AM’s advantages include the freedom to produce small batches of intricate parts cost-effectively, as well as the freedom to realize part designs that would not be manufacturable in any other way, and in some cases to use materials that otherwise would be impractical to apply. The range of processes finding industrial applications includes direct metal deposition, electron beam melting, polymer processes such as fused filament fabritcation (FFF), and select laser sintering (SLS) or melting (SLM), among others. Some hybrid machine tools combine additive manufacturing with subtractive CNC machining. Modern Machine Shop has a sister magazine, Additive Manufacturing, that focuses on AM.
Out of This World: Space Exploration Innovations at IMTS
The more time passes, the more it becomes clear that space exploration and manufacturing have a close-knit future together. (Click through for a slideshow of the coolest space gear we found on the show floor!)
Additive Manufacturing: Essential Reading
Expanded HQ to Support Industry Demand
Weldon Solutions is expanding its headquarters to meet the industry demand surrounding robotic automation and grinders.
Examining Productivity Gains Set to Transform Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is in its second hype cycle, with companies weighing its endless design capabilities against cost and production output.
Velo3D Adds StarHagen to Contract Manufacturer Network
StarHagen joins Velo3D’s Contract Manufacturer Network with the purchase of an end-to-end solution from the additive manufacturing technology company.
3D Scanning Technology Demonstrates Capabilities
Nel PreTech demonstrates the capabilities of 3D scanning technology at IMTS 2022.
Automated and 3D Technology Innovates Welding
Automated arc welding, 3D laser welding, 3D laser marking and additive manufacturing are all a part of Trumpf's lineup.
FAQ: Additive Manufacturing
What is additive manufacturing?
“Additive manufacturing” (AM) describes the use of 3D printing to make functional components, including tools and end-use production parts. Unlike “subtractive manufacturing” processes such as machining, where parts are created by removing material, additive manufacturing builds geometries by “adding” feedstock such as filament, wire or powder.
Depending on the 3D printing process and application, additive manufacturing can utilize a growing catalog of materials including metal alloys, thermoplastics, thermoset polymers and composites.
Source: What is Additive Manufacturing?
Is additive manufacturing the same as 3D printing?
Some say yes and we say no! AM and 3D printing are overlapping terms but not synonyms. 3D printing is the operation at the heart of additive manufacturing, just as “turning” or “molding” might be the operation at the heart of a conventional manufacturing process.
In a nutshell, 3D printing is one step in an overall additive manufacturing workflow that also includes design, build preparation, postprocessing, business considerations and more.
Importantly, “3D printing” does not describe just one type of technology. Per ISO/ASTM, there are seven different “families” of 3D printing processes and a growing number of material and machine options.
Source: What is Additive Manufacturing?
Why use additive manufacturing?
Some associate AM with prototyping, but this is outdated. 3D printing has become well-established as a means of creating tooling for a range of conventional processes. And, manufacturers are increasingly adopting AM for production, including full-scale production.
Source: What is Additive Manufacturing?
What are some trends in additive manufacturing?
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Decentralized or distributed manufacturing.
- Robots and automation.
- Simulation.
- Sustainability.
Source: What is Additive Manufacturing?
What is Formnext Forum?
Formnext Forum Austin (formerly The Additive Manufacturing Conference) is an industrial 3D printing conference that will be held August 28-30, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
This additive manufacturing conference and expo is the first of a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).
Additive Manufacturing Suppliers
Narrow by Additive Manufacturing Category
- Additive Manufacturing Machines for Ceramic Parts
- Additive Manufacturing Machines for Composite Parts
- Additive Manufacturing Machines for Metal Parts
- Additive Manufacturing Machines for Polymer Parts
- Additive Manufacturing Machines—Binder Jetting
- Additive Manufacturing Machines—Directed Energy Deposition
- Additive Manufacturing Machines—Directed Energy Deposition
- Additive Manufacturing Machines—Material Extrusion
- Additive Manufacturing Machines—Material Jetting
- Additive Manufacturing Machines—Sheet Lamination
- Additive Manufacturing Machines—Powder Bed Fusion
- Additive Manufacturing Machines—Vat Polymerization
- Hybrid Additive-Manufacturing Machines
- Material for Additive Manufacturing - Ceramics
- Material for Additive Manufacturing - Composites
- Material for Additive Manufacturing - Metal
- Material for Additive Manufacturing - Polymer
- Material Handling Equipment
- Part & Tooling Production Services
- Postprocessing Equipment
- Safety Equipment for Additive Manufacturing
- Software for Additive Manufacturing—Part Design
- Software for Additive Manufacturing—Job & File Management
- Training & Consultancy Services
Little Wins Create Value in Additive Manufacturing
How to create value with a multi-level approach to additive manufacturing.
#additiveinsights
How Automation Keeps Quality Control in Control
Collaborative robots help inspection keep pace with machining in a custom, digitalized workflow for complex aerospace and defense parts.
Out of This World: Space Exploration Innovations at IMTS
The more time passes, the more it becomes clear that space exploration and manufacturing have a close-knit future together. (Click through for a slideshow of the coolest space gear we found on the show floor!)
#imts
Expanded HQ to Support Industry Demand
Weldon Solutions is expanding its headquarters to meet the industry demand surrounding robotic automation and grinders.
#imts
Examining Productivity Gains Set to Transform Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is in its second hype cycle, with companies weighing its endless design capabilities against cost and production output.
#additiveinsights
Velo3D Adds StarHagen to Contract Manufacturer Network
StarHagen joins Velo3D’s Contract Manufacturer Network with the purchase of an end-to-end solution from the additive manufacturing technology company.
3D Scanning Technology Demonstrates Capabilities
Nel PreTech demonstrates the capabilities of 3D scanning technology at IMTS 2022.
#imts
