// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Additive Manufacturing
A process where a three-dimensional object is built layer by layer from a digital design, unlike traditional subtractive methods that remove material. This allows for complex shapes and customized products.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a digital fabrication process that constructs 3D objects by successively adding material layers, guided by CAD models, enabling complex geometries and on-demand production in Industry 5.0.
BACKGROUND
Manufacturing USA, previously known as the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, is a network of research institutes in the United States that focuses on developing manufacturing technologies through public-private partnerships among U.S. industry, universities, and federal government agencies. Modeled similar to Germany's Fraunhofer Institutes, the network currently consists of 16 institutes. The institutes work independently and together on a number of advanced technologies.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- 3D printing
- rapid prototyping
- direct digital manufacturing
- layer manufacturing
- additive fabrication
USAGE NOTE
It's used for prototyping, custom parts, and complex geometries, but material limitations and speed can be challenges.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Additive Manufacturing.
A pioneer in additive manufacturing, offering a wide range of industrial 3D printers, materials, and software for various applications from prototyping to production.
One of the leading manufacturers of professional 3D printers and additive manufacturing solutions, specializing in FDM and PolyJet technologies.
A global technology leader for industrial 3D printing of metals and plastics, providing integrated solutions for additive manufacturing, including systems, materials, and process parameters.
A division of General Electric focused on accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing at scale, offering machines, powders, and engineering services.
Known for its Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology, HP offers industrial 3D printing solutions for producing functional parts at speed and scale.
Specializes in metal 3D printing solutions, including binder jetting and bound metal deposition technologies, making additive manufacturing accessible for mass production.
Provides additive manufacturing software and services, enabling a wide range of industries to leverage 3D printing for design, prototyping, and manufacturing.
A global engineering technologies company that develops and supplies additive manufacturing systems for metal 3D printing, alongside metrology and healthcare products.