Helping Additive Manufacturing Take The Next Leap With Simulation

What has been hailed as the transformer, in terms of industrial production, is now all set to take a further leap with simulation.

- Anil Kumar

Although it is common to use terms like rapid prototyping and 3D printing to refer to additive manufacturing (AM), they are in reality its sub-divisions. AM is a process that creates a physical object from a digital design. When conventional engineering techniques are adept in manufacturing and designing, AM is what takes production to the next level.

WHY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING?

Additive manufacturing facilitates the creation of lighter and stronger parts and systems. This technological advancement is the result of the transition from analogue to digital. With the evolution in imaging, communication and engineering, AM is now bringing increased flexibility and efficacy to the manufacturing sector.

AM creates an object by adding material. With earlier methods, materials are removed through milling, crushing, machining, shaping, etc., while with AM, it can be done in precise geometric shapes by depositing material layer-by-layer using 3D object scanners. In short, it improves performance, simplifies fabrication and complex geometrics to deliver a near-perfect outcome.

One can produce better shapes and designs through AM. There is also no need to weld or attach individual components together as even hollow centres and difficult shapes can be produced as a single piece. This also means that there will be no weak spots, and it is therefore stronger.