Page 20 - 3D Metal Printing Summer 2016

3D FEATURE
Five Things Manufacturers
Need to Know About
3DMP
The freedom possible in the manufacturing process allows designers to create optimal designs without restrictions from conventional manufacturing processes. Shown is a metal bracket printed on a 3D Systems laser-sintering direct metal printer.
Become proficient in metal additive manufacturing and you’ll gain the ability to create parts with greater
adherence to design intent, while mastering low-volume production and prototyping and
learning to work with a variety of materials. But know that there’s much more to
developing a core competency in 3D metal printing than simply pressing a button.
BY BEN FISK
3D metal printing (3DMP) is the hottest subject throughout manufacturing. This technology is revolutionizing how com- panies design, test, manufacture and distribute products. With
all the hype surrounding 3DMP technology, what are the effects on manufacturers serving key markets for machined metal parts, including aerospace, medical and automotive, and
what are the key takeaways?
We have identified five things manufacturers should under-
stand before entering the 3DMP workspace.
1)3DMP provides the ability to create components that most directly embody and enable true design intent.
The freedom possible in the 3DMP process allows designers to create optimal designs without restrictions from conventional manufacturing processes. Design for manufacturability (DFM) has long been the method by which components were designed, and it subsequently drove design standards and practices by which com- promises to performance, weight, cost, materials and other factors were necessary to
Ben Fisk is general manager, Methods3D, Sudbury, MA; www.methodsmachine.com.
18 | 3D METAL PRINTING • SUMMER 2016
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