Additive manufacturing applications are growing in the industrial sector, with several examples of 3D printed parts used in different manufacturing industries. Though this technology was once primarily used for rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing is now implemented throughout the production cycle.
Examples of these applications can be found in the aerospace, defense, automotive, and energy industries, to name a few. Additive manufacturing has helped companies in these sectors improve production operations and create better-performing parts. These benefits will continue to drive increased adoption of additive manufacturing technologies for industrial applications.
Lightweighting
Designing for additive manufacturing enables engineers to create parts with unique geometries that can’t be replicated through traditional manufacturing methods. These new part designs have led to one widely used additive manufacturing application: lightweighting.
Due to these designs, 3D printed parts are often lighter than their traditionally manufactured counterparts. These designs are prevalent in industries like aerospace, which use additive manufacturing to create engine parts. Lightweighting these parts helps reduce aircraft emissions by improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, these parts are also more durable, allowing aerospace engineers to lighten aircraft engines without sacrificing structural strength.
The automotive industry also benefits from lightweighting applications, especially for electric vehicles (EVs). One example of this is the General Motors Cadillac CELESTIQ, a luxury EV that features over 130 3D printed parts. Product weight is important for EVs, as it plays a role in battery life. Using lighter parts in these vehicles has a direct impact on battery performance.
Lightweighting helps companies create better parts that are also better for the environment. This application is an example of why it’s important for engineers to be trained in designing for additive manufacturing; they can develop better designs rather than just 3D printing parts that look the same as the traditionally manufactured design.
Supply Chain Supplement
Another additive manufacturing application is the technology’s ability to supplement a company’s supply chain. Several examples in recent years have shown how volatile supply chains can be, especially for industrial companies. Unexpected disruptions can cause negative outcomes for manufacturers.
But when manufacturers have easy access to 3D printers — either through in-house options or local commercial businesses — they can offset some supply chain issues. Rarely will additive manufacturing completely replace a supply chain, but the technology can supplement a supplier network and serve as a back-up for critical situations.
Almost any manufacturing industry can benefit from having access to additive manufacturing to combat supply disruptions. However, this is especially helpful in defense manufacturing, allowing military personnel to produce parts on demand while in areas that have limited access to suppliers.
Additive manufacturing can also overcome supply chain limitations. A lot of products, especially in the automotive industry, use parts that are no longer manufactured. In these situations, 3D printing can be used to create spare parts. These industrial examples show that additive manufacturing can serve as both a supplemental and replacement supply chain, depending on the needs of the manufacturer.
Streamlining Production
When it comes to production operations, additive manufacturing can accelerate product development and manufacturing. Traditionally manufactured parts are often created by combining several different components. With additive manufacturing, a part that consists of dozens or even hundreds of components can be 3D printed as a single piece.
By consolidating the part design into one single manufactured component, this additive manufacturing application reduces the time it takes to create an end-use part, saves cost, minimizes material waste, and shortens time to market.
This consolidation can be used to streamline production for complex components, such as in aircraft, automobiles, and renewable energy systems. However, it also has some unique use cases for 3D printed construction, and for fully 3D printed circuits and electronics for smart wearable devices. All these examples highlight additive manufacturing’s ability to not only create better products, but also to improve manufacturing processes.
Leveraging Additive Manufacturing Applications
Lighter parts, increased supply chain flexibility, and improved production processes are just a few of the additive manufacturing applications used in the industrial sector. Other examples — such as eliminating the need for physical inventory, and product maintenance and repair capabilities — are also driving the technology’s wider adoption among multiple manufacturing industries.
If you’re a manufacturer interested in all the ways you can leverage additive manufacturing, explore attending RAPID + TCT. As North America’s largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event, this expo features the latest 3D printing innovations and showcases this technology’s role in modern manufacturing.