Additive manufacturing was first seen in the 1980s after inventor Charles Hull created stereolithography, a technological process that allows designers to create 3D models using digital data and later turn them into tangible objects. While additive manufacturing has been historically used to develop product prototypes or fixtures for automotive companies, AM has recently expanded its uses to several different industries by using new materials and composites. In the last decade or so, we’ve seen firsthand the spread of this modern manufacturing technology and the increased number of ways it can be used.
In recent years, additive manufacturing has newly been adopted by the aerospace, defense, and medical industries. In the aerospace and defense industries, AM is used for prototypes, tooling, and lightweight aircraft components. Since it allows for low-volume production of complex parts, weight reduction, material efficiency, additive manufacturing is often used to produce parts like air ducts, wall panels, and structural metal components.
On the other hand, additive manufacturing can also be used to personalize healthcare since 3D printing can create implants, prosthetics and dental devices that are unique to each individual; it allows these items to be produced faster and more affordably too. Another example of additive manufacturing in the medical industry is bioprinting, which is technology that can be used to create artificial living tissues that can mimic natural tissue characteristics. It can produce cartilage, skin, bone grafts, etc. which can help patients heal faster and reduce transplant rejection.
However, as additive manufacturing’s applications grow, it is rapidly impacting the workforce. Since the technology is changing very quickly, employers must train their employees in order for them to keep up. It’s greatly beneficial to increase employee familiarity with new technology since it increases business success and widens employees’ skill sets for future opportunities.
Overall, the outlook for additive manufacturing is positive. This technology is quickly revolutionizing our society, and it will only become more advanced in the future. Companies are quickly incorporating this manufacturing technique within their production methods, putting them at an advantageous position. It’s only a matter of time till other businesses do the same, dramatically changing the way we view current supply chains.