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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.

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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.

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The overall additive manufacturing market size is estimated at €10.5b in 2023.

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The industry is expected to grow 13.9% a year until 2028

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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.

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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

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Founder of 3D Systems Chuck Hull invents stereolithography (SLA), a rapid prototyping technology. Photo credit: 3D Systems.

1987

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The first SLA machine is released. Photo credit: Michael Petch.

1991

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Three new additive manufacturing techniques are invented: FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), SGC (Solid Ground Curing), and LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing).

1992

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Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) enters the market.

1994

1994

Direct Metal Laser Sintering is invented.

1995

1995

Sandia National Laboratories invents Direct Energy Deposition (DED) under the name of LENS.

1998

1998

OPTOMEC introduces the world’s first Powder Laser Deposition system.

1999

1999

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

Adam Bowyer founded RepRap, a project to develop attainable 3D printers that replicate their own components. Photo via RepRap.

2006

2006

SLM Solutions is founded.

2013

2013

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

GEFERTEC introduces their technology to the market.

2015

2015

Federal Aviation Authority qualifies the first LPBF part for use in flight.

2022

introducing-additure

Birth of Additure

Services

Ready to see how we work?

We’ve broken down our entire build process, from pre-build planning to final quality control.

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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.
Toolbox

Toolbox

Explore our two primary technologies: Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).
CNC

Post-Processing

Understand how we approach this crucial stage, and learn why post-processing is vital for metal additive manufacturing.
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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.