Concept and importance of additive manufacturing:

Additive manufacturing:

• Am refers to a process by which digital 3D design data is used to built up a component in layers by depositing material.

• The term AM combines many technologies like 3D printing, rapid prototyping. Direct digital manufacturing layer manufacturing and additive fabrication.

• AM application is limitless. Early use of Am in the form of rapid prototyping focused on pre production visualization models. More recently, AM is being used to fabricate end-use products in aircraft, dental restorations medical implants, automobile and even in fashion products.

Fig. basic structure of AM

Applications:

1. Aerospace applications:

a) Structure part fo unmanned aircraft

b) Turbine blade

c) Windshield defrosters

2. Automotive applications:

a) Part for race vehicle e.g. cooling ducts, electrical boxes

b) Testing part design to verify correctness and completeness of parts by BMW, Mitsubishi

3. Medical field

4. Defense field

5. Manufacturing and tooling field.