Both additive manufacturing and 3D printing involve the creation and printing of three-dimensionalprototypes or final parts. The objective is the same, although the processes may be different.
We will explain the differences in this article:
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In contrast to subtractive manufacturing, with 3D printing objects are created by depositing layers of material. The CAD software tells the 3D printerhow much material to deposit and whereto deposit it.
In addition, most 3D printers use polymeras aprinting material(although some 3D printers support metals, alloys and even ceramics) and almost always use a single technology, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM); through this technology, components with limited size and resolution are achieved.
3D printing is cheaperthan other additive manufacturing techniques, hence its penetration among individuals, small designers and developersor start-ups.
The term “additive manufacturing” refers to the creation of objects by addingmaterial. Thus, when an object is created by adding material rather than removing it (subtractive manufacturing) it is considered additive manufacturing. This type of manufacturing also requires a machineand a CAD software.
This technology also allows the evaluation of ergonomics, dimensionsand precisionof parts and prototypes. This makes it suitablefor sectors which place a high value on the relationship between quality and timing in production processes such as the industrial and professional sectors (as well as more specialised sectors). Additive manufacturing allows for very high levels of precisionand reliabilitywhile allowing for modificationsduring the designand prototype verificationphases.
Unlike 3D printing, with AM we can manufacture in metals; this allows us to tackle more complex projects using different technologies, such as Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), Fused Deposition Modeling(FDM) and Material Jetting (MJ).
At the same time, additive manufacturing offers endless possibilities from a creative point of view. The versatilityof the machinery(which facilitates the realization of customized parts and various materials, even if they are complex geometric structures), is another of its strengths.
The actual difference between these two technologies is that 3D printing is aform of additive manufacturing; the latter is a broader concept that encompasses a wider range of processes.
It is also worth mentioning that the term “additive manufacturing” is more commonly associated with industrialand commercialapplications, while the term “3D printing” is associated with consumerand recreationalapplications.
In summary, the main difference between 3D printing and additive manufacturing is that 3D printing specifically involvesthe creation of objects by adding layersof material. Yet additive manufacturinginvolves the creation of objects by adding material, which may or may not come in layers.
Selective Laser Melting, for example, is an additive manufacturing process and does not build up layers of material, although it still involves the creation of objects by adding material.
Optimize your manufacturing costs
Improving process efficiency is a constant goal in industrial companies. In this sense, the number of companies that see in additive manufacturing a perfect formula for the optimization of production costs is increasing.
Advantages of additive manufacturing:
- Growth of localised production.
- Part obsolescence reduction.
- Simplification of the supply chain.
- Greater design freedom.
- Reduction of stock.
- Provides ergonomic shapes and unlimited geometries.
- There is no need to make moulds, so there is an economic saving.
- There is less dependence on suppliers.
- You save on transportation and inventory.
Without a doubt, additive manufacturing is here to stay and its technology will embrace many more possibilities as time goes by. Sectors such as industrial, automotive, aerospace, health, textile, architectureor electronicsalready trust in its great potential and apply it with interesting results.
At Mizar Additive we are experts in additive manufacturing and we can help you. Request information or make an enquiry here.
