A Video Introduction to Additive Manufacturing

The first 3D printing process was developed more than 30 years ago, but the technology and its uses have changed dramatically over the past three decades. There are now seven types of 3D printing processes defined by ISO/ASTM, with numerous variations within each type, and the applications for these technologies have grown exponentially, expanding from rapid prototyping to tooling and molds to, more recently, end-use parts in production volumes.

It can be difficult to keep up and to understand how AM processes compare to more conventional processes like injection molding and machining. While some companies are diving head-first into additive manufacturing, others are still asking fundamental questions like: Is additive manufacturing the same as 3D printing? Will additive manufacturing replace machining? What are the best use cases for additive? If this list sounds familiar, the playlist above is for you. We’ve assembled a few videos to provide a quick introduction to 3D printing and additive manufacturing, with a run-time just over 10 minutes.