The term "additive manufacturing" is particularly at home in the fields of 3D printing, Industry and Factory 4.0 as well as Sustainability and Environment 4.0. Additive manufacturing describes a modern manufacturing process in which products are built up layer by layer. The opposite would be so-called "subtractive manufacturing", in which material is removed by milling or sawing.
In additive manufacturing - also known as 3D printing - material such as plastic, metal or even ceramic is applied specifically where it is needed later. This saves resources and enables very complex shapes that would often be impossible to produce using conventional methods.
An illustrative example: In the automotive industry, 3D printing can be used to produce customised spare parts on demand. This means that large stocks no longer need to be held and the required part is available quickly.
Additive manufacturing also scores highly in terms of environmental protection, as less waste is produced and raw materials can be utilised more efficiently. Today, this technology is an important building block for the production of the future and offers completely new possibilities in the design and manufacture of customised products.
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