Introduction

Manufacturing has come a long way since the days of manual labor and machines driven by steam or water. The advent of computerized systems has revolutionized the industry, and we are now witnessing a shift towards more advanced methods of production. Two such methods that have gained widespread attention are 3D printing and additive manufacturing. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they have some significant differences.

In this blog post, we will objectively compare the two technologies and look into the future to determine which approach is likely to dominate.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive printing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital design or model. The printer reads the instructions from a computer file, and a nozzle moves back and forth, laying down material, such as metal or plastics, to build the object. Over time, the build platform is lowered, and layer upon layer is added to create the final product.

What is Additive Manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing, sometimes called 3D printing, though a little more complex, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding layer upon layer of material. The raw material - usually a powder, wire, or filament - is melted or solidified by a laser or electron beam to build the object. This method can create intricate shapes and structures by adding material precisely where it's needed.

How do they differ?

The main difference between 3D printing and additive manufacturing is the materials used in each method. 3D printing is typically used with plastics, while additive manufacturing is used with metals. Additive manufacturing allows for the creation of more durable and high-strength parts than 3D printing. It also allows for the creation of more complex structures, which can't be made using 3D printing. Additionally, additive manufacturing produces more finished products, requiring less post-processing.

Which One is the Future of Manufacturing?

Though both 3D printing and additive manufacturing have their advantages, it's additive manufacturing that appears to have the edge going forwards. According to a 2020 study, additive manufacturing generates $19.2 billion in revenue, while 3D printing brings in only $14.3 billion.

Additionally, with the rise of Industry 4.0 and the internet of things, companies are looking for more efficient, automated manufacturing processes that can produce customized parts quickly and accurately. Additive manufacturing fulfills these requirements with its highly precise and automated processes, making it the future of manufacturing.

Conclusion

While 3D printing and additive manufacturing are often used interchangeably, they are two distinctly different processes. While both have advantages, additive manufacturing appears to have the upper hand in terms of creating durable, high-quality parts and creating them quickly and efficiently. With the rapid shifts happening in the industry, additive manufacturing is likely to drive the future of manufacturing towards more automated, advanced technologies.

References:

1. O'Reilly, T., 2019. Additive Manufacturing: 3D Printing vs. CNC Machining. [online] Make: DIY Projects and Ideas for Makers. Available at: https://makezine.com/2019/11/21/additive-manufacturing-3d-printing-vs-cnc-machining/ [Accessed 15 September 2022].

2. Statista, 2021. 3D Printing Market Size Worldwide 2021 - 2028. [online] Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1030704/global-3d-printing-market-size/ [Accessed 15 September 2022].

3. The Economist Intelligence Unit. (2018). Digital Manufacturing: The revolution will be virtualized. Available from: https://www.weforum.org/reports/digital-manufacturing-the-revolution-will-be-virtualized. [Accessed 15 September 2022].