We’ve also been seeing a plethora of hybrid machines that combine 3D printing and CNC machining in one neat package. Many manufacturers are becoming aware of the effectiveness of combining additive and subtractive manufacturing, to the point that a whole new area of manufacturing – hybrid manufacturing – has been defined as the “next big thing.”
The paper features insight from Kevin Nerem, an applications engineer at Stratasys, on the ways that additive manufacturing can be used with and alongside more traditional manufacturing technologies. Nerem comments on how 3D printing and traditional manufacturing are enhancing each other at the moment, and how both will continue to evolve alongside each other. He also points out areas for improvement, as well as how Stratasys technology can be incorporated into other manufacturing practices.
“Most types of additive complement traditional manufacturing,” he comments. “Some types are better suited for manufacturing than others, but they all have a place…Additive is very practical for low volume and/or highly complex parts. As the number of parts needed increases, traditional methods become more cost effective.”
The white paper provides valuable information for anyone in the manufacturing field, especially those wondering how 3D printing fits in to their already established processes. Like we’ve said before, it’s not a matter of replacing older technologies in most cases, but rather adding to them – which makes the term “additive manufacturing” appropriate in more ways than one. If you’re interested in learning more, you can request a copy of the white paper here. Discuss in the Stratasys forum at 3DPB.com.
[Images: Stratasys]