Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing may only make up a small percentage of current manufacturing but the possibilities it presents are astounding. 3D Printing typically involves building an object by successively adding layer upon layer of material which is why it is also known as additive manufacturing.
A few of the areas where 3D Printing is creating innovation are sports gear, transportation, and the healthcare industry. Custom-fit sneakers can now be designed from a scan of the athlete’s foot for a perfect fit of lightweight materials.
Likewise new aerospace components that are 3D printed reduce weight and lower fuel costs. While in healthcare – custom polypills, prosthetics and surgical practice models are improving quality of life and patient outcomes. One day organs created from human tissue will even be possible as bioprinters take their place as a common piece of medical equipment.
Subham Sett, Vice President of Marketing & Strategic initiatives for SIMULIA at Dassault Systèmes recently wrote for Manufacturing.net about the future of additive manufacturing. Read more here on the industry transformation made possible by leveraging the power of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
