The term „additive manufacturing“ is primarily found in the fields of 3D printing, Industry 4.0 and Factory 4.0, as well as Sustainability 4.0 and Environment 4.0. Additive manufacturing describes a modern manufacturing process where products are built up layer by layer. The opposite would be so-called „subtractive manufacturing“, where material is removed by milling or sawing.
In additive manufacturing – also known as 3D printing – materials such as plastic, metal or even ceramic are precisely applied where they are subsequently needed. This saves resources and allows for very complex shapes that often cannot be produced using conventional methods.
A clear example: In the automotive industry, spare parts can be precisely manufactured using 3D printing on demand. This eliminates the need for large stock inventories and ensures the desired part is quickly available.
Furthermore, additive manufacturing also scores points in environmental protection, as less waste is produced and raw materials can be used more efficiently. This technology is an important building block for the production of the future today and offers completely new possibilities for the design and manufacture of individual products.
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