There is a great divide between the desktop 3D printing movement, which encourages creative freedom, open-source approaches and technology access, and the exclusive, and cost prohibitive nature of large format additive manufacturing (LFAM). Traditionally, additive manufacturing on the large scale (print volumes exceeding 1m^3) has been reserved for companies with million-dollar budgets, dedicated R&D teams, and predominantly used to manufacture tooling and molds for the aerospace, automotive and marine industries.
Recent technological advancements in equipment, material science and software, as well as a reduction of equipment cost have led to a lower barrier of entry into large format 3D printing. Small and medium sized businesses are successfully adapting large scale 3D printing to manufacture and prototype consumer goods. Structures as small as a vase or flowerpot and as large as a tiny home can be 3D printed out of recycled or bio-derived materials within hours, not days. We will examine the newest state of technology (high throughput robotic arm-based 3D printers), design/manufacturing strategies and show you how to get started in LFAM based on case studies from markets like furniture, playground equipment, architecture and more.
Learning Objectives:
- Upon completion, participants will be able to understand and describe the capabilities, limitations and strengths of large-scale 3D printing
- Upon completion, participants will be able to build a strategy to successfully incorporate large scale 3D printing into their business.
- Upon completion, participants will be able to appreciate that LFAM isn't just a technique make large scale composite tooling, but is able to create a variety of as printed structures
