ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING is commonly known as 3D printing. Basically, it refers to a process with which 3D models, prototypes or even end products can be produced from shapeless materials such as powder or liquids by means of physical or chemical processes. This process, also known as rapid prototyping, does not require any tools or moulds, unlike conventional primary moulding production processes. Its use is particularly worthwhile for components with geometries of a high degree of complexity.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING means a new way in the production of objects, the novelty of which is shown precisely by the reversal of subtractive manufacturing. Whereas traditionally subtractive processes such as cutting, drilling and machining were used to produce an object or prototype in order to obtain the volume of a desired shape, ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING creates an object with a high time saving without cutting. With the help of selective laser melting (SLM), selective lasering and other processes to be added, ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING offers a shortening of the "time to market", an increase in productivity and, with the help of function-optimised and 3D-printed production aids, an improvement in the availability of spare parts on demand. All in all, this means sustainability and value enhancement through perfectly manufactured components, series and parts. Added to this is the important factor 'time is money'.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING supports industrial manufacturing processes, e.g. the serial production of aircraft and automotive parts, just as successfully as the timely production of dental prostheses and medical implants. In the meantime, the fashion industry is also using this process. While ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING used to be used almost exclusively for the production of prototypes, it is now at home in medicine, aerospace technology and many other industries and is also expanding in the private customer sector.