The Key to Repeatable 3D Printing? Materials

Both Modern Machine Shop and sister publication Additive Manufacturing have covered plenty of examples where 3D printing is being used to manufacture real, end use parts. It is already being applied to manufacture jet engine parts, medical implants, milling tools, rockets and more. 

But what’s holding additive manufacturing (AM) back from its holy grail, full-scale production? One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is materials. Reliable materials, with proven print profiles, will be needed — in adequate quantities — if AM is to reach this next stage.

The September/October issue of Additive Manufacturing Magazine details how various organizations who recognize this challenge are dealing with it. Stories in this issue include:

• Research by the National Institute for Aviation Research (NAIR) to build out a database of materials and process information for AM.
• How Jabil, one of the world’s largest contract manufacturers, is not only developing new 3D printing materials but working to ensure a reliable supply chain for mass production. 
• Evidence that 3D printed polymer parts can outperform molded ones for a common requirement.
• A hybrid manufacturing strategy that combines an unusual material, topology optimization and interlayer laser peening.
• Recommendations for improving operator safety in the face of emissions from polymer 3D printing. 

Read it here and subscribe to receive the next issue in your mailbox or inbox.