As we prepare for 2022 and beyond Additive manufacturing strategies event, from March 1-3, 3DPrint.com provided forecasts related to the event’s nine verticals. Among them is “Additive Manufacturing for Mass Production of Metal Parts”. In a previous article, we noted that more lasers and automation will be a key trend in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Additionally, a resurgence of electron beam fusion (EBM) vendors and utilities will drive growth there. Besides these developments, there were a few other trends that experts in the metal 3D printing space also noticed. Two of these are of particular importance: renewed attention to directed energy deposition processes and continued interest in binder jetting.
Mike Vasquez, Materials Specialist and Consultant at 3Degrees look at this very holistically.
“I’m excited about the industry’s continued march toward data- and experience-driven results,” Vasquez said. “In 2022, I expect we’ll hear more about the people who are actually working to improve materials, processes and workflow in this space. I think progress in these areas – which comes from both large manufacturing companies and new entrepreneurs – will be a key driver for incremental adoption and transition to production applications. Additionally, I am interested to see how the industry continues to address the ongoing conversation about preparing the next generation of our workforce to succeed at all levels of the additive manufacturing business.
Training is an incredibly overlooked element that will need to play a much better role in our industry. Mike’s focus on workflow and various developments happening in concert is very on point. Long-term 3D printing consultant and horse savior, Andrew Allshorn of 3D-SQUARED is very specific about its trend.
“One of the most interesting technologies I have seen in a while comes from Meltio. Personally, I would like to see more hybrid machines, combining metal 3D printing and machining in the same machine. able to look at the geometry and print to a point where he knows he can still machine the geometry inside and out with no problem Print the next section and do the same until that the part is complete, with a perfect surface inside and outside the component, that way there would be no post-processing.
I like the idea of software being the key gateway for hybrid machines, when eliminating post-processing would really have a big impact on AM economics.
The AMBIT DED tool head. Image courtesy of Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies.
Jason Jones was an academic researcher in 3D printing for ten years before entering the commercial world with his Hybrid manufacturing technologiesa company that manufactures innovative nozzles, control units and complete solutions for metal and polymer AM.
“I predict that the ability to establish the quality of printed metal parts, both inside and out, will be advanced significantly,” Jones told us.
Jason here completely echoes Andrew. It’s a simple statement here from Jason, but it has huge implications. At present, 3D printing is a series of black box technologies in which we really don’t know what is going on inside the machine and have little control over the properties inside and outside. Having that would be a leap forward.
I also think 2022 will be a release party for DED and hybrid technologies. I think an important note to take away is Gerrard’s differentiation here, where he particularly likes wireframe LMD for “small to large pieces (5-10cm to 1-2m)” and is particularly enthusiastic about machine shops. Many people target aerospace or rocket engines, but forget that per part and per customer there is usually an optimal technology. I think Gerard’s more specific perspective is much better.
Christian Lonne, the experienced leader of the binder projection company digital metal said,
“Making more and more materials available for metal binder jetting is obviously a good thing, but what I really think will benefit the whole of technology, and what we are pursuing at Digital Metal is a qualification robust materials with robust properties, paving the way for high repeatability. and true industrial-grade mass production with high yield and material properties.
Especially considering that Digital Metal is currently used in manufacturing, making hundreds of thousands of parts for customers, I think it’s significant that Christian wants to focus here on “robust properties”, qualifications and repeatability.
For me, we are going to have a very exciting year in terms of binder jetting and DED technologies. On the one hand, we will push to smaller customers and sites while going deeper into manufacturing.
