Advantages of Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, often associated with 3D printing, is a process where material is added layer by layer to create an object. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which removes material from a solid block, additive manufacturing builds up the product, which makes it ideal for creating complex, intricate designs.
How it works: A 3D printer uses digital models to deposit materials (such as plastic, metal, or even concrete) layer by layer to form a final product. The material solidifies as it cools or hardens.
Examples: Prototyping, custom parts production, medical devices, and small-batch production runs.
Advantages:
Low waste (only the material needed is used)
Highly customizable and flexible designs
Shorter production lead times for prototypes and specialized items