Additive manufacturing (AM), which is also commonly referred to as 3D printing, has developed over its 30-year history into a feasible manufacturing process for an increasing number of applications. The dominant application of AM / 3D printing remains prototyping, where these technologies improve product development workflows, however manufacturing and production applications are increasing year on year as the processes become more advanced.
Fundamentally different from traditional manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing processes use digital equipment to manipulate materials and build physical objects in layers. Not every device or component can — or should — be made with these processes and designing for additive manufacturing is most effective when delivered with a strong understanding of the materials and the different AM processes. This is where Addition Design and Research excels and is able to form collaborative partnerships with clients to maximize the benefits of AM and identify new opportunities.