Shapeways

What is Additive Manufacturing? Additive manufacturing is a powerful industrial technology that builds structures layer by layer, whether for making rapid prototypes during product development in automotive applications or high-performance parts for aerospace. Shapeways additive manufacturing services are set apart from traditional techniques because they provide engineers and designers with the ability to push the boundaries in innovation, the freedom to iterate and test as needed, and ultimately, with the tools for producing unique products never possible before. Additive Manufacturing Additive manufacturing services work in direct contrast to conventional manufacturing where subtractive measures are taken to remove material in making a part. This technology is also faster, with little need for lead times or tooling, exponentially less waste in material during production, and the option to experiment with a wide range of materials, methods, colors, and finishes. Additive Manufacturing History The inception of additive manufacturing (1983) is formally accredited to Charles W. Hull, an engineer who went on to form the iconic 3D Systems in 1986 and to produce the first Stereolithography 3D printer in 1987. There were numerous forerunners to what we know as 3D printing, however, harkening as far back as the 1800s with more rudimentary 3D modeling and 3D printing creations like photographic sculptures and layered 3D topographical maps. Another scientist, Dr. Hideo Kodama of The Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute, even pre-dated Hull in the early 1980s with a photopolymer rapid prototyping process. Hull was, however, the owner of the first 3D printing patent, and he continued from there with undeniable dedication and success in what eventually became a thriving additive manufacturing industry. Chuck Hull also single-handedly established the modern concept of rapid prototyping, allowing every generation thereafter to enjoy improved and accelerated product development. Veering in the opposite direction of conventional manufacturing and subtractive processes, Hull was originally experimenting with the idea of creating parts by applying one layer of material coating on to another to form a solid structure. Combined with his knowledge of CAD software, the process evolved into SLA 3D printing with resin materials cured layer by layer via an ultraviolet laser. The significance of Hull’s invention was not lost on forward-thinking organizations like NASA or a handful of automotive companies with the resources to begin investing in the technology. Additive manufacturing was in play behind the scenes for decades before finding its way into the mainstream. As patents began to expire around 2014 though, 3D printing was thrust into the spotlight as a revolutionary new tool. The technology gained tremendous traction, becoming popular among designers and engineers who were suddenly empowered with the ability to design and develop innovative products on their own time. By then, many other 3D printing technologies had emerged too, from desktop 3D printing with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), to other advancing industrial technology like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and even bioprinting. SLA 3D printing is still considered to be powerful, and highly respected. Shapeways designers typically turn to SLA for creating intricate 3D models, master patterns for traditional manufacturing like Injection Molding, and detailed parts for rapid prototyping or 3D printing functional parts. Prototypes for Perfecting Assembly, Fit, and Functionality Rapid prototyping takes the design process from a sketch to an actual product much more quickly when comparing additive manufacturing vs. traditional methods, which could sometimes result in months between 3D models. 3D design and slicing software is highly accessible, allowing Shapeways designers to create 3D digital files and prototypes they can easily adjust for better aesthetics, fit, functionality, and scale. A streamlined 3D modeling process is extremely valuable for Shapeways customers later too as they may need to make numerous prototypes for testing. For some 3D designers, only one or two prototypes are necessary, while others may need many more. Rapid prototyping is economical with materials like Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] but it is possible to use these advanced, high quality materials for functional products. This adaptability in materials and technology has furthered the evolution of additive manufacturing significantly. 3D printing from product development to manufacturing saves time, costs, and means that manufacturers can take their ideas and products to market and get them into the hands of their customers faster. A manufacturing partnership with Tilt Hydrometer serves as a great example of the power of prototyping with Shapeways. CEO Noah Neibaron has no problem with iterating over a hundred times if necessary, and he did so while perfecting Tilt’s free-floating h