New technologies to accelerate additive manufacturing processes on an industrial scale

Abstract

This research project is a study of the additive manufacturing technology, from a point of view of the current challenges that this technology facesin their process.The main intention of this project isto study and discuss AM technology in today’s world, making also a forecast of the development of this technology.In a primaryphase,will be presented a state of the art of 3D printing and how it stands nowadays, after that,are presented some materials and processes, comparing the materials depending the strengthand weaknesses.Then,a discussion of3D printing’s importance in the overall industrywill take place,as well as an analysis of AMprocess of polymers andmetals. It will bediscussed the current path of AM development in Aeronautical, Automobile and Medical sector.Finally, we analyse some economic issues regarding 3D printing and the changes it can induce on the overall supply chain.We also concluded two interviews, the firstin a technology foundation in Catalunya-Spain, and the other in a medtech company.