Feature

Additive vs traditional manufacturing

3D printing has revolutionised manufacturing. Where traditional subtractive technologies relied on removing material from a billet or block to obtain the desired shape, 3D printing now offers high throughput and high levels of surface finishing. Stephen Hayes, Managing Director of Beckhoff UK, explores why companies need to evaluate what mix of traditional and additive manufacturing makes sense for their business.

31/10/2023 10:27:27

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3D printing dates back to the early 1980s in Japan, when Hideo Kodama developed a rapid prototyping system, an early version of the stereolithography (SLA) machine. For years, additive manufacturing
was not considered a method for high-volume production because older 3D printing systems did not offer high throughput, and had poor surface finishing and inadequate material properties.

Now, 3D printing
is helping many companies to transform their business models to become more efficient and agile, as well as handle supply chain disruptions. It produces a broad range of items with a
high degree of customisation, reducing waste and labour, thanks to automation systems that control volume design and workflows, post-processing, and quality assurance.

A study on additive manufacturing conducted by Deloitte
shows that 63 percent of users deploy the technology for prototyping, while only 21 percent use it for items that cannot be made any other way.

Read the full article in DPA's November issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.