Additive manufacturing has been around since 1983, but it has not yet been adopted by mainstream manufacturing, what is missing for AM to breakthrough.
Additive manufacturing has gone beyond being a revolutionary process and is now firmly in the mainstream. Which begs the question, what does the future hold and where are the gains to be made for manufacturers who have still to embrace the technology?
In the much-publicised march towards the digitalisation of manufacturing, one very important element is routinely ignored, namely how to integrate the digital sharp end with back office systems that traditionally have relied on paper.
North West manufacturer LPW supplies high-grade metal powders for additive manufacturing. CEO and founder, Dr Phil Carroll told James Lawson how high-tech innovation is spearheading his company’s expansion within this fast-growing market.
Additive manufacturing (AM) components must withstand a high level of pressure. Pierre Foret, head of AM at Linde Group explains, why only a few companies worldwide have the capacity to control every step in the AM value chain from powder production to cleaning.
