What is additive manufacturing? | GE Additive

Summary

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is a process that creates physical objects from digital designs. Using CAD software, engineers design an object, which is then sliced into layers and uploaded to a machine. The process involves spreading a thin layer of metal powder, which is melted by a heat source such as a laser. This layering continues until the part is complete. Additive manufacturing offers benefits like faster build times, lighter, stronger, and more durable parts, and the ability to produce complex geometries without added cost, revolutionizing industries in the process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, creates physical objects from digital designs.
• 😀 Engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create the object before slicing the design into thin layers.
• 😀 A 3D design file is uploaded to a machine that builds the object layer by layer using metal powder.
• 😀 A heat source, such as a laser or electron beam, melts each layer of the metal powder to form the object.
• 😀 The platform lowers after each layer is melted, and a new layer of metal powder is spread on top.
• 😀 The layering and melting process repeats until the full object is complete.
• 😀 After completion, excess metallic powder is removed, revealing the finished physical object.
• 😀 Additive manufacturing allows for the production of parts that are lighter, stronger, and more durable than traditionally made parts.
• 😀 Build times are faster with additive manufacturing compared to traditional methods.
• 😀 Additive manufacturing enables engineers to create precise features and complex geometries without increasing costs.
• 😀 The process is revolutionizing industries by offering new possibilities for manufacturing and design.

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