Additive manufacturing is a revolutionary production method that allows you to develop products in a short time, without relying on molds. The concept is closely related to 3D printing, but goes much further.
For this reason, the industry is increasingly interested in additive manufacturing, applied in the Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 revolutions.
This is because this new technology is revolutionizing not only the manufacturing of products, but also several other segments.
As we advance and develop technologically, we can better explore the potential of this tool.
Learn more about how additive manufacturing works and how it can bring benefits to the industrial segment. Read on!
What is additive manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process that operates multiple tools. One model of AM is 3D printing, which prints objects by progressively layering a material.
Thus, it is possible to create objects based on a digital model. Several types of additive manufacturing can be found on the market:
Fused deposition modeling or fused deposition modeling : uses polymer filaments to produce objects;
Stereolithography or Stereolithography : model that solidifies azerbaijan whatsapp data liquid resins with ultraviolet light;
Selective Laser Sintering or Selective Laser Sintering : carries out production from granulated materials of ceramics, plastics and metals.
Binder Jetting or Binder Jetting : works by spraying a liquid binder onto a small amount of powder, which solidifies.
Material Jetting or PolyJet : uses a laser directed at a pool of metal powder, which solidifies it.
This technology has been applied in the manufacture of cars and airplanes. In the health sector, it is used to manufacture dental implants and prostheses.
These possibilities open doors to great potential for innovation, especially in industry.
What is metal additive manufacturing?
At first glance, metal may seem like a material that is reluctant to use this advanced manufacturing concept. However, there are several types that allow the use of additive processes.
An example is gold and silver, precious metals that are easily malleable. In addition, we can mention stainless steel and titanium.
But how? With different systems, such as those based on lasers or shot peening of metal alloys.
They can be applied in the production of many different components, such as aerospace parts and even jewelry.
How does this technology work?
Additive manufacturing works by adding material layer by layer, based on a digital model, usually based on computer-aided design (the famous “CAD”) or scanned 3D objects.
The process begins with the use of a computer that controls an AM machine.
This machine reads a 3D design file and adds additional material to create the desired three-dimensional component.
This information guides the path of a nozzle or print head, which deposits the material.
As it cools, the material (or materials) fuse together to form an object.
The addition of materials occurs in layers, with minimal quantities forming an ultra-thin film.
Each successive layer is joined with the previous layer of molten or partially molten material.
The additive process can be used to create objects from a variety of materials, as we mentioned above: metals, plastics and ceramics.
A little about the history of additive manufacturing
Although it may seem like a new technology and practice, additive manufacturing in Brazil and around the world has existed for more than 40 years.
The concept originally arose from a literary tale in the 1940s. In 1971, however, a device for the continuous injection of metallic material was patented in the United States.
However, it was in Japan where the first 3D printing technologies were developed, at the Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute.
However, at the time, funding and interest in the technology was limited.
After the 1980s, other technologies, advancements and patents were created, including stereolithography and the Computer Automated Manufacturing System, developed by Bill Masters.