6 Trends in Additive Manufacturing Technology

The role of additive manufacturing (AM) in part production is growing, and at IMTS—The International Manufacturing Technology Show, its footprint is expanding to match. IMTS 2024 features a larger Additive Manufacturing Pavilion than ever before, with veteran suppliers alongside startups and newcomers at the front of the West Building. As you browse these exhibitors, as well as booths found elsewhere at the show, keep an eye out for these trends in AM:

1. Larger Build Volumes

More options for large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) are represented this year. While there’s no standard for what makes a printer “large,” expect to see expanded build volumes compared to years past and more systems making use of robots to extend their reach. Keep in mind that larger build volumes are useful not just for building larger parts but also for printing larger batches of smaller parts at once. 

For processes such as wire arc additive manufacturing and pellet extrusion as seen here at Formnext 2023, using a robot to provide the motion of the printhead can be a flexible way of extending the build envelope to create larger components. 

2. New Options in Metals

From more affordable equipment to new processes to fresh takes on older technologies, there is more variety this year in additive machines for metal part production. Keep an eye out for directed energy deposition (DED) systems designed for the shop floor; multiple “flavors” of electron beam melting (EBM); and various types of sinter-based processes. Also, look beyond the AM Pavilion for hybrid machines and others. If you haven’t reevaluated metal 3D printing options recently, this is the time to do so.

DED systems that use wire as their feedstock can be more user-friendly than powder-based systems simply because material handling becomes easier. 

3. Productivity Advances

New 3D printers and updates to existing systems are making processes faster and more productive. Look for features geared toward speed and efficiency, particularly amongst laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), fused filament fabrication (FFF) and stereolithography 3D printers.

3D printed parts such as these medical implants will almost always require some form of postprocessing such as finish machining (which means they will also require cutting tools and workholding solutions). 

4. The Other Parts of the AM Workflow

3D printing is the core step in additive manufacturing, but it is preceded by material selection, design and build preparation, and followed by postprocessing and finishing. Whether you have a specific process or printer in mind, take time to explore the other hardware and software you might need — including visiting other pavilions.

Working with a service provider can be a good way to dip into additive manufacturing, as well as an option for digitizing inventory so that spare parts like these air ducts can be produced on demand. 

5. Services Available 

Successfully implementing 3D printing doesn’t necessarily mean owning the equipment internally. For companies not yet ready to commit to additive, or for those with AM needs extending beyond their own equipment, you’ll find a number of service providers scattered throughout the AM Pavilion ready to help with your next project. 

6. Smarter Additive Manufacturing

Software suppliers are improving 3D printing outcomes with tools for part design, build preparation, traceability, simulation and more. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, computer vision, sensors and more are making additive manufacturing more reliable, as well as more automated. The next phase of AM is optimized, intelligent and responsive — and you’ll find the tools enabling this at IMTS.

About the Author

Stephanie Hendrixson

Stephanie Hendrixson reports on 3D printing technology and applications as executive editor for Additive Manufacturing. She is also co-host of The Cool Parts Show, a video series that highlights unique, unusual and weird 3D printed parts, and co-host and creator of the AM Radio podcast. SUBSCRIBE HERE

Are You Registered Yet?

Join us Sept. 9-14, 2024 in Chicago for IMTS 2024. IMTS is where the creators, the builders, the sellers, and the drivers of manufacturing technology come to connect, be inspired, and find solutions.The whole Modern Machine Shop crew will be there. Stop by to say hello!