--- title: Metal Additive Manufacturing | Additure description: Choosing to adopt metal additive manufacturing can be a big step forward for your business. Want to learn more? Additure is here to help. --- [Skip to main content](https://additure.co.uk/metal-additive-manufacturing#main) [![Additure-logo-white](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/Additure-logo-white.svg) ![Additure-logo-white](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/Additure-logo-white.svg)](https://additure.co.uk) - Show submenu for About About - About us: - [![our team](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/Card%20Image.jpg) Our Team](https://additure.co.uk/our-team) - [![about us](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/Card%20Image%20(1).jpg) Key Strengths](https://additure.co.uk/about-us) - [![metal additive manufacturing](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/Card%20Image%20(2).jpg) What is Metal AM?](https://additure.co.uk/metal-additive-manufacturing) - Show submenu for Services Services - Services: - [![feasibility and planning](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/pre-build.jpg) Feasibility and Planning](https://additure.co.uk/feasibility-and-planning) - [![toolbox](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/toolbox.jpg) Our Toolbox](https://additure.co.uk/additive-manufacturing-technologies) - [![post processing](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/processing.jpg) Post-Processing](https://additure.co.uk/post-processing) - [![inspection](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/qa.jpg) Inspection](https://additure.co.uk/inspection) - [Industries](https://additure.co.uk/industries) - [Resources](https://additure.co.uk/additure-resources) - [Brochure](https://additure.co.uk/access-our-brochure) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for About About - BACK - About us: - [![our team](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/Card%20Image.jpg) Our Team](https://additure.co.uk/our-team) - [![about us](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/Card%20Image%20(1).jpg) Key Strengths](https://additure.co.uk/about-us) - [![metal additive manufacturing](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/Card%20Image%20(2).jpg) What is Metal AM?](https://additure.co.uk/metal-additive-manufacturing) - Show submenu for Services Services - BACK - Services: - [![feasibility and planning](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/pre-build.jpg) Feasibility and Planning](https://additure.co.uk/feasibility-and-planning) - [![toolbox](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/toolbox.jpg) Our Toolbox](https://additure.co.uk/additive-manufacturing-technologies) - [![post processing](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/processing.jpg) Post-Processing](https://additure.co.uk/post-processing) - [![inspection](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/25504953/qa.jpg) Inspection](https://additure.co.uk/inspection) - [Industries](https://additure.co.uk/industries) - [Resources](https://additure.co.uk/additure-resources) - [Brochure](https://additure.co.uk/access-our-brochure) - [Contact](https://additure.co.uk/contact-us) [Contact](https://additure.co.uk/contact-us) # Metal additive manufacturing you can count on Additure delivers more than just components: we deliver trust, transparency and a commitment to quality, all underpinned by our extensive knowledge and manufacturing experience. Discover why our customers choose us. Key strengths About # What is Metal AM? #### Metal additive manufacturing (Metal AM), also known as Metal AM, is the process of printing three-dimensional, functional components from a digital CAD/CAM file. ## Approach manufacturing in a different way Every AM process, in any material, have these two common attributes: the material is created at the same time as the geometry, and parts are built sequentially in 2D layers. Metal AM is not the panacea for manufacturing challenges. Instead, AM can provide solutions to new, specific and unique barriers, like where parts need to be made cheaper, faster, and better, and in part, help solve some of humanity’s biggest existential problems. In short, AM can be the enabler in thinking, designing and approaching manufacturing in a different way. There are a number of Metal AM technologies available on the market, but at the heart of each lies a sophisticated technology that employs a heat source, typically a laser or electron beam, to melt fine particles of metal powder or wire. ## How big is the Metal AM industry on paper? There is some research available online regarding the size and growth of the Metal AM industry, but understanding the provenance of these is challenging. Munsch, Dr.M. et al. (2024) ‘AMPOWER Report 2024 Management Summary’. Hamburg: AMPOWER GmbH & Co. KG. 1. ![Card Image-2](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/Card%20Image-2.svg) 1. #### The overall additive manufacturing market size is estimated at €10.5b in 2023. 2. ![Card Image-1](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/Card%20Image-1.svg) 2. #### The industry is expected to grow 13.9% a year until 2028 3. ![Card Image (1)-1](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(1)-1.svg) 3. #### Laser Powder Bed Fusion continues to be the leading Metal AM technology. ##### Important: ## Where is the Metal AM industry in reality? Additure sees opportunity as the Metal AM industry emerges from the ‘trough of disillusionment’, where the excitement has dropped on the ‘Hype Curve’ and the long road to acceptance, adoption, and maturity begins. ![am-industry-graph](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/am-industry-graph.png?width=2280&height=1056&name=am-industry-graph.png) × Your browser does not support the video tag. × Your browser does not support the video tag. ## Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Laser Powder Bed Fusion is a metal AM technique that uses a high-power laser to melt metal powders into a three-dimensional object. It is a highly controlled and precise method of manufacturing, allowing for the production of intricate parts with high levels of detail.  Because LPBF is particularly well-suited for producing parts that are difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods, it’s a good choice if you’re looking to enhance the performance of your components. Plus, it’s already trusted by our partners in the aerospace, automotiv, and tooling industries for its ability to create functional and economically viable parts. ## Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) WAAM utilises an electric arc as a heat source to melt metal wire onto a substrate, gradually building up a three-dimensional object. This process enables high deposition rates, reduced material waste, and the ability to produce large-scale components. WAAM presents an opportunity to reduce lead times and inventory with like-for-like parts. The process attributes means it can replace castings producing near-net shape components for final machining efficiently. ##### timeline ## History of modern AM #### 1984 ![Card Image-3](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image-3.png?width=525&height=401&name=Card%20Image-3.png) Founder of 3D Systems Chuck Hull invents stereolithography (SLA), a rapid prototyping technology. Photo credit: 3D Systems. #### 1987 ![Card Image (1)-2](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(1)-2.png?width=526&height=401&name=Card%20Image%20(1)-2.png) The first SLA machine is released. Photo credit: Michael Petch. #### 1991 ![Card Image (2)-2](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(2)-2.png?width=525&height=401&name=Card%20Image%20(2)-2.png) Three new additive manufacturing techniques are invented: FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), SGC (Solid Ground Curing), and LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing). #### 1992 ![Card Image (3)-1](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(3)-1.png?width=382&height=401&name=Card%20Image%20(3)-1.png) Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) enters the market. #### 1994 ![1994](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image-4.png?width=525&height=400&name=Card%20Image-4.png) Direct Metal Laser Sintering is invented. #### 1995 ![1995](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(1)-3.png?width=395&height=300&name=Card%20Image%20(1)-3.png) Sandia National Laboratories invents Direct Energy Deposition (DED) under the name of LENS. #### 1998 ![1998](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(2)-3.png?width=394&height=300&name=Card%20Image%20(2)-3.png) OPTOMEC introduces the world’s first Powder Laser Deposition system. #### 1999 ![1999](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(3)-2.png?width=395&height=300&name=Card%20Image%20(3)-2.png) The development of high-energy fibre lasers capable of melting metal alloys allow FOCKELE & SCHWARZE to develop the first Selective Laser Melting machines (SLM). #### 2005 ![2005](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(4).png?width=394&height=300&name=Card%20Image%20(4).png) Adam Bowyer founded RepRap, a project to develop attainable 3D printers that replicate their own components. Photo via RepRap. #### 2006 ![2006](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(5).png?width=395&height=300&name=Card%20Image%20(5).png) SLM Solutions is founded. #### 2013 ![2013](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(6).png?width=394&height=300&name=Card%20Image%20(6).png) Markforged introduced 3D printers capable of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Continuous Fibre Reinforcement (CFR), improving the speed and quality of parts produced. #### 2015 ![2015](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(7).png?width=395&height=300&name=Card%20Image%20(7).png) GEFERTEC introduces their technology to the market. #### 2015 ![2015](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Card%20Image%20(8).png?width=394&height=300&name=Card%20Image%20(8).png) Federal Aviation Authority qualifies the first LPBF part for use in flight. #### 2022 ![introducing-additure](https://additure.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/introducing-additure.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=introducing-additure.jpg) Birth of Additure References: 1. [The History Of Additive Manufacturing: From The 1980s to Today | Prototal UK](https://prototaluk.com/blog/history-of-additive-manufacturing/) 2. [RepRap - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap) 3. [Additive Manufacturing History: From the 1980's to Now](https://markforged.com/resources/blog/additive-manufacturing-history) 4. [Metal Additive Manufacturing history - Ampower Metal AM Market Report](https://additive-manufacturing-report.com/technology/metal/metal-additive-manufacturing-history/#:~:text=First%20commercialization%20of%20AM%20in,available%20since%20the%20late%2080s). 5. [A Brief History of the Progress of Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals in Europe | J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. | ASME Digital Collection](https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/manufacturingscience/article/145/10/100801/1164095/A-Brief-History-of-the-Progress-of-Laser-Powder) 6. [The Evolution of Metal Additive Manufacturing](https://www.jawstec.com/the-evolution-of-metal-additive-manufacturing/#:~:text=Metal%20additive%20manufacturing%20traces%20back,liquid%20polymers%20layer%20by%20layer). ##### Services ## Ready to see how we work? #### We’ve broken down our entire build process, from pre-build planning to final quality control. ### [![section-add](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/section-add.svg) Feasibility and Planning Discover how we’ll break your project down into granular detail and create a joint manufacturing and inspection plan (MQCP). This step-by-step, comprehensive plan ensures the manufacture of components that meet your programme requirements.](https://additure.co.uk/feasibility-and-planning) ### [![Toolbox](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/Toolbox.svg) Toolbox Explore our two primary technologies: Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).](https://additure.co.uk/additive-manufacturing-technologies) ### [![CNC](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/CNC.svg) Post-Processing Understand how we approach this crucial stage, and learn why post-processing is vital for metal additive manufacturing.](https://additure.co.uk/post-processing) ### [![file-tick](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/file-tick.svg) Inspection Proper inspection is critical to ensure that the requirements as laid out during pre-build planning have been met. For metal AM parts, this is never just geometrical inspection; all aspects of material testing and component validation can be accommodated.](https://additure.co.uk/inspection) [![Additure-logo-white](https://additure.co.uk/hubfs/Additure-logo-white.svg)](https://additure.co.uk) - [Call: +44 (0) 1772 288544](tel:+44%20(0)%201772%20288544) - [Email: solution@additure.co.uk](mailto:solution@additure.co.uk) We’re on a mission to simplify additive manufacturing. We work with Europe’s leading engineers and technologies to produce the part you need with the processes it requires. 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