Additive manufacturing (3D printing) refers to manufacturing processes that create a 3D object by adding layer-upon-layer of material. The dynamic nature of additive manufacturing affords it a level of flexibility unmatched by standard manufacturing processes. However, this advantage historically has been coupled with slow build times, limited material options, high costs, and poor quality. These characteristics restricted the use of additive manufacturing to low-function prototyping.
Advances in additive manufacturing have been met with a reserved optimism among industrial customers. While the strengths of additive manufacturing are well understood, applying them successfully requires changes to business strategies. As a result, adoption has lagged the pace of technology while companies grapple with embracing more significant business transformations. ARC expects additive manufacturing to play an increasing role in many industries over the next years, not just automotive and aerospace & defense.
In this workshop, we will discuss successful implementations, the current barriers, and in which industries additive manufacturing will be a key changer. Panelists will be asked to introduce the main applications for additive manufacturing technologies and give a quick outlook of further developments.
During the panel we will cover the following questions:
- How will additive manufacturing be integrated into manufacturing processes in the future?
- What as a machinery builder do you wish from automation and software companies to improve additive manufacturing integration into the production process?
- What are the technological barriers to the acceptance of additive manufacturing?
- Of the various additive manufacturing technologies, which are the most promising and why?