Opportunities for Lighter Weight and Lower Total Cost Component Manufacturing

Abstract

This paper describes how a relatively new manufacturing technology known as additive manufacturing (AM) can enable creation of more mass efficient components when compared to those created by conventional or subtractive manufacturing (SM). An important element in the use of AM is re-thinking the design approach when completely new shape possibilities are enabled. Similarly, creative use of AM also can enable significant part count reduction. In order to make the case for the potential of AM, the more common AM processes are described and illustrated. As with any new technology, there come challenges during the reduction to practice phase of AM. Some of these challenges have been addressed and solved. Others are a work in progress and the approach to possible solutions to some of these is described.