Additive Manufacturing

9/4/2018 Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Introduction & Overview | All3DP
EN
The Ultimate Guide!
Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Introduction &

Overview
by Tyler Koslow
Gyprock Indi
High quality Dental
Anwhich
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Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Introduction & Overview
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Pros & Cons • Energy
• Additive Manufacturing Technologies: In Depth • Consumer Goods
• Fused Deposition Modeling • Additive Manufacturing Technologies: The Best Companies
• Stereolithography/Digital Light Processing • Stratasys
• Selective Laser Sintering • 3D Systems
• Selective Laser Melting/Electron Beam Melting • EOS
• Binder Jetting/Inkjet • Other Companies
• Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Business Applications • Machines of the Future (Carbon, HP, etc)
• Automotive • Additive Manufacturing Technologies: The Best 3D Printing Services
• Aerospace • Shapeways
• Medical • i.Materialise
• Architecture/Construction • Sculpteo
• Electronics • Other Services
• Fashion • Conclusion
Want to learn more about additive manufacturing technologies? Here's a

breakdown of technologies, applications, companies, and services.
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for consumers and another for industrial purposes.
In this additive manufacturing technologies guide, we will focus on the professional uses of
3D printing technology. Whether you’re a manufacturing business owner, an industrial
engineer looking to create a functional automotive prototype, or anyone else who could
bene t from professional-grade additive manufacturing, we’ve strung together an incredibly
comprehensive breakdown of the pros and cons of industrial additive manufacturing as well
as an introduction to the different technologies, applications, companies, and services that
are out there.
This guide will show you how to integrate this emerging technology into the everyday
work ow of your business.
Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Overview

1. Pros of Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies
2. Cons of Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies
3. Additive Manufacturing Technologies in depth
4. Business Applications
5. The Best Companies
6. The Best 3D Printing Services
7. Conclusion
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ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
TECHNOLOGIES: OVERVIEW
Pros & Cons
While 3D printing is a considerably groundbreaking technology, there are advantages and

disadvantages that it can offer. If you’re thinking about integrating additive manufacturing
technologies into your business, it’s important to recognize the pros and cons.
Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Pros

• Speed – One of the primary advantages of additive manufacturing technologies is its
ability to produce parts at a faster rate than other conventional manufacturing
techniques. This is especially bene cial for rapid prototyping, allowing a designer to
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• Reduced Cost – In most cases, additive manufacturing technologies will also reduce
cost and expenses in a number of ways. For starters, the energy costs for machine
operations are generally low, especially when you consider the quick production
turnaround. 3D printing technology also helps to reduce the cost of materials and labor.
But most importantly, it offers risk mitigation when it comes to the manufacturing
work ow. By utilizing additive manufacturing technologies for rapid prototyping,
businesses are able to observe and repair models before sending them off for nal
production. This greatly reduces the risk of unnecessary expenditures during the
production process.
• Increased Design Freedom/Complex Geometries – Another major pro that additive
manufacturing technologies offer is immense design freedom and the ability to produce
complex geometries. Due to the layer-by-layer process used with 3D printing technology,
you’re able to achieve angles and shapes that are nearly impossible with other
manufacturing techniques.
• Accessibility – Each year, additive manufacturing technologies become more
affordable and capable, thus making it increasingly accessible for a wider range of
industrial uses. With this growth also comes increased knowledge and ease of use,
meaning that a larger number of people will be able to integrate this technology into
their work ow. The industry has blossomed over the past ve or so years, leading to
innovations and new technologies that will continue to make 3D printing the most
exciting new manufacturing technique around.
• Customization – One of the prized points of additive manufacturing technologies is the
ability for mass customization. Since 3D printed parts are generally produced one at a
time, this gives designers and businesses the ability to alter, modify, or customize their
products as they see t. Whether it’s the medical industry creating patient-speci c
surgical guides or a manufacturer producing personalized products, mass
customization is one of the main selling points of additive manufacturing.
• Sustainability – Another bene t to additive manufacturing technologies is
sustainability. Compared to other techniques like CNC milling, 3D printing technology
uses much less material waste. This also reduces the need to ship prototypes and
products long distances. Now, digital les can be sent and produced anywhere with a
3D printer.
Additive
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• Material Limitations – One of reasons that additive manufacturing technologies are not
always well suited for use-end production is because of material limitations. While this
is an issue that is slowly being solved, the current line of professional 3D printing
materials are lacking in mechanical properties. Since these objects are being built in
layers, you will have weaker and less dense parts compared to CNC milling or injection
molding. However, as the industry continues to advance, so do the material capabilities.
• Size Limitations – Another disadvantage of additive manufacturing technologies is also
size limitations. The size capabilities are limited to the build volume of the printer,
meaning that you can not print beyond the preset limitations. Not only does this prevent
the production of extremely large objects, but also an abundance of small prints at
once.
• Questionable Accuracy – If you’re looking to produce something that needs pinpoint
accuracy, you will have to use additive manufacturing technologies with caution. Many
materials will print within a erroneous margin of +/- 0.1 mm in accuracy. The 3D printing
industry continues to advance in this regard, but be sure to check the accuracy of a
machine before you invest in an industrial 3D printer or service.
• Manufacturing Limitations – Although 3D printing has undeniable value in rapid
prototyping applications, there are glaring limitations when it comes to manufacturing
beyond that. While additive manufacturing technologies can help save money for
prototyping and short-run productions, those advantages turn into disadvantages in
terms of mass production. With techniques like injection molding and thermoforming
offering faster and cheaper solutions for nal products, 3D printing has not yet reached
this level of potential.
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There are a number of different 3D printing processes that offer a variety of bene ts and
capabilities. Here are the most popular additive manufacturing techniques.
TECHNOLOGIES: IN DEPTH
Fused Deposition Modeling
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Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is perhaps the most popular and widely used form of
additive manufacturing. The process is quite simple. A material, usually a polymer, is
dispensed through a heated nozzle. The FDM printer builds the selected 3D model up layer-
by-layer.
The nozzle component moves in horizontal and vertical directions using a numerically
controlled mechanism called G-code. The extrusion head uses stepper motors or servo
motors to automate movement.
Although the FDM process is typically restricted to printing with polymers, there are a wide
range of compatible materials. These include ABS, PLA, Polycarbonate (PC), Polyamide (PA),
Polystyrene, as well as lignin, rubber, and many other material options.
Known as one of the most prominent forms of rapid prototyping, FDM printing is widely used
for prototyping and rapid manufacturing. This technique is best utilized for iterative testing of
functional prototyping and short-run manufacturing. In many cases, it’s a much more cost
e cient solution compared to methods like injection molding.
FDM printing was originally developed in the late 1980s by S. Scott Crump. Shortly after,
it was commercialized and patented by Stratasys, which remains one of the world’s leading
additive manufacturing companies.
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Stereolithography/Digital Light
Processing
Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) are also popular additive
manufacturing technologies. Although the printing output from these two technologies
are similar, the inner workings of these processes are a bit different.
SLA technology uses two motors (aka galvanometers) to quickly aim a laser beam
throughout a vat of photopolymer resin. The design is broken into a series of points, while
the laser solidi es these points to create a 3D model. An elevator apparatus is used to lift the
model layer-by-layer, which is covered with a fresh coating of resin. After the process is
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with high resolution.
The term “stereolithography” was coined in 1986 by Chuck Hull, the founder of 3D Systems,
but the technology has been around since the 1970s.
Although similar, the DLP process uses a slightly different approach to photopolymer 3D
printing. A digital projector screen ashes an image of the design on each layer. The model is
projected across the entire platform at once. This image is composed of square pixels,
meaning that each layer of the print is constructed of extremely small rectangular bricks
called voxels.
With a slightly different process, there are differences in performance and bene ts between
SLA and DLP additive manufacturing. Since DLP technology projects the entire model at
once, it’s generally capable of providing faster print times, especially when printing large
objects.
However, SLA 3D printing is able to print high-resolution parts regardless of the build volume,
making it more capable of manufacturing many detailed objects across the entire printing
chamber.
Basically, SLA printers are advantageous when it comes to printing many small parts with
intricate detail and complex large prints. DLP printers are ideal for producing one-off intricate
parts and printing large parts without the need for high resolution.
Selective Laser Sintering

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Selective laser sintering is the additive manufacturing process you should be looking
towards if your goal is to produce metal objects. This technology uses a high powered laser
to fuse small particles of material in a 3D model. This powdered material ranges from
metals, plastics, ceramics, and glass.
Typically using a pulsed laster, SLS printers merges the material one layer at a time. After the
rst layer of the model is fused, the powder bed is lowered and a new coating of material is
applied. This process repeats until the print is complete.
Since the object is always surrounded by powdered material, SLS has the ability to print
objects without support structures. Additionally, a technique known as “nesting” makes
the manufacturing of multiple parts less di cult and costly. Nesting is when a large
number parts can be positioned to ll the entire build volume of the machine.
However, it’s important to note that SLS printing is impossible to manufacture a fully

enclosed object that is hollow. The reason for this is that, without an exit point in the model,
the powder material is trapped inside. Still, there are ways to get around this, such putting a
hollow point in your model or printing a fully enclosed object in separate parts.
SLS was developed and patented in the 1980s by Dr. Carl Deckard and Dr. Joe Beaman at the
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Selective Laser Melting/Electron Beam

Melting
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Considered a subcategory of the SLS process, selective laser melting also used a high-
powered density laser to melt and bind grains of metal powders together. However, the
additive manufacturing process is capable of melting metal material into a completely solid
part.
By fully melting and liquefying the metal instead of just fusing the powder together, SLM
printing can create homogeneous parts. This leads to less porosity and more control over the
crystallization of the material, ultimately creating stronger parts.
The printing process transpires within a chamber that contains an atmosphere of inert
gas. Each layer of the part is fused by selectively melting the powder with a high-powered
ytterbium ber laser. The laser beam is directed in both the X and Y directions with two high
frequency scanning mirrors.
The energy of this laser is intense enough to weld the material particles together into a solid
metal object. SLM is compatible with atomized materials that include copper, aluminum,
stainless steel, toll steel, cobalt chrome, titanium, and tungsten.
Electron beam melting is a similar additive manufacturing method that uses an electron
beam as the heat source. However, EBM usually offers a more e cient build rate because of
its high-energy density and scanning method.
There are also metal wire based systems where an electron beam is used to melt welding
wire to build a part. This process is more akin to FDM printing, but with metal wiring instead
of plastic lament.
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Binder Jetting/Inkjet
Binder jetting (aka inkjet) is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a liquid binding
agent to connect powder particles together. The process uses a printhead the selectively
drops this binder into the powder. This build area lowers down layer-by-layer, enabling the
production of a full-on object with a mixture of powder and binder.
This type of technology is capable of printing a variety of metals, sands, and ceramics.
Depending on the material, the print may or may not require post-processing. For example,
metal objects manufactured with binder jetting can achieve greater density by using a hot
isostatic pressing technique after printing.
The Binder jetting process is similar to 2D printing in that the binder acts like an ink that
moves methodically across the layers of powder. Unlike other 3D printing techniques, binder
jetting technology does not employ heat during the build process.
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The advantages of binder jetting includes the ability to print large parts at a faster rate,
while also being more cost effective than other additive manufacturing technologies.
T E C H N O LO G I E S : B U S I N E S S
A P P L I C AT I O N S
As additive manufacturing technology continues to advance, so does the number of
applications it can be used in. This emerging technology has already being used in a wide
breadth of industries, from automotive to medical.
To give you a better idea of how 3D printing is being utilized on a professional level, here is
an example of how the automotive, aerospace, medical, architecture, electronics, fashion,
energy, and consumer goods sectors use additive manufacturing.
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TECHNOLOGIES: BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
Automotive
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The automotive industry has had one of the largest integrations of additive manufacturing
technologies on an industrial level. From Formula 1 racing to manufacturers like Ford, 3D
printing has emerged for prototyping and even end-use purposes.
Additive manufacturing
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recently announced that they are using Mcor additive manufacturing to produce carbon ber
parts.
While larger manufacturers are slowly starting to utilize 3D printing in their automotive
work ow, companies like Local Motors have fully embraced that additive manufacturing
revolution. The Arizona-based manufacturer has developed a 3D printed electric car, proving
the value of additive manufacturing technologies beyond prototyping and tooling purposes.
You can expect the automotive industry to continue integrating additive manufacturing
technologies into the production process. Earlier this year, BMW was one of the main
companies to invest in the desktop metal 3D printing company Desktop Metal. The startup is
aiming to make metal 3D printing more affordable and accessible, something that the
automotive sector will certainly nd compelling.
To give you some perspective of this emerging technologies value, the market research
publication SmarTech estimates that additive manufacturing in the automotive industry will
generate a combined $1.1 billion dollars by 2019.
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Aerospace
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Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Introduction & Overview | All3DP
Similarly to the automotive industry, additive manufacturing has also seeped into the
aerospace sector as well. The French aerospace company Airbus is pioneering this emerging
technology, using 3D printing for a wide range of applications.
Airbus recently used additive manufacturing to produce an air nozzle prototype. By using 3D
printing, the manufacturer was able to save space in the aircraft and increase passenger
comfort.
Other military and aerospace entities like Lockheed Martin are also turning to additive
manufacturing to speed up the prototyping and production process. Even the industrial
giant General Electric has gotten into the aerospace 3D printing game. The company recent
spent $1.4 billion to purchase Sweden’s Arcam AB and Germany’s SLM Solutions Group, both
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These applications are spreading across the aerospace sector. For example, Siemens, Strata,
and Etihad Airways recently developed the rst 3D printed aircraft interior in the Middle East.
Whether it’s 3D printing a jet engine or interior part for an airplane, additive manufacturing is
a game-changer in the aerospace. Even beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, space agencies like
NASA are heavily invested in 3D printing technology, looking to produce objects on the
groundand also up in space.
Medical
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Although additive manufacturing technologies have played a major role in industrial sectors,
no eld has been impacted by this technology quite like the medical industry.
There are numerous ways that 3D printing has revolutionized the medical and dental eld.
For starters, professional additive manufacturing systems are helping doctors train for
intricate operations by producing patient-speci c surgical guides. By using scans of patients
and transforming them into 3D models, surgeons are able to plan for each surgery,
increasing their success rate and reducing operation time.
Nothing is generating more buzz in the medical world as bioprinting. This type of 3D printing
is allowing researchers to produce human tissue and are even making 3D printed human
organs a plausible reality. Companies like Organovo and BioBots are continuing research on
this use of 3D printing technology, which could become a major global breakthrough in the
healthcare in the near future.
3D printing is even making its way into the bodies of humans. 3D printed patient-speci c
implants have become a promising alternative for those in need. By being able to quickly
model and produce an implant that ts the patients needs, chances of recovery and
operation time are greatly improved. Additive manufacturing has led to the creation of metal
3D printed hip implants, cranial implants, and more.
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Architecture/Construction
Additive manufacturing technologies are also being increasingly used to create architectural
models and construction projects.
In the architecture eld, additive manufacturing systems that print in color, such as binder
jetting, is extremely helpful in the production of architectural models.
For example, Stratasys’ PolyJet 3D printing can produce highly detailed models in an array of

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rms looking to create models quickly and at a low price.
Additive manufacturing technologies have also become a major in uencer in the

construction sector. From the Russian company Apis Cor to the prestigious university MIT,
there is a wide range of large-scale 3D printers that are capable of printing gigantic
structures from materials like concrete. Although the technology is still very new to the
construction sector, additive manufacturing has the potential to build houses that are more
affordable and can be produced faster.
Don’t Miss: 35 Greatest 3D Printed Houses & Structures of 2017
Electronics
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When you think of 3D printing technology, you probably think of objects made from
thermoplastic or metal materials. But additive manufacturing technology is also being
extended to the production of electronic circuitry.
Manufacturers like Optomec and Nano Dimension have developed systems for the
production of multi-material PCBs. Even antennas, batteries, solar cell sheets, and radar
systems are now considered to be 3D printable through extrusion and inkjet 3D printing
technologies.
For example, Optomec’s Aerosol Jet printing technology produces 3D printed

electronics using an additive manufacturing process that prints with conductive, dielectric,
semiconductor, and biologic inks. These materials are extruded onto plastic, ceramic, and
metallic substrates, creating 3D printed electronics without the need for tooling, photomasks,
or stencils.
When additive manufacturing rst emerged, one downside was the inability to integrate
electronics into an object during the printing process. But even this issue is being overcome
with new processes and companies.
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Fashion
The fashion industry has also integrated additive manufacturing technologies into the
production of high-tech clothing, footwear, and more.
Both fashion students and professional fashion designers are utilizing additive
manufacturing to produce clothing with complex shapes and unique materials.
Most of these creations are much more than a simple garment. Take a look at the
Kinematics Dress for example, a 3D printed system created by Nervous System and
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of garments can be tailor made to t the body of users, expanding fashion capabilities
further than they’ve ever gone before.
The growth of 3D printing technology is exempli ed in the recent collaboration between the
3D printing startup Carbon and the sportswear company Adidas. Adidas is using Carbon’s
revolutionary CLIP technology to print at an exceptional scale and speed, allowing them
to produce over 100,000 pairs of sneakers by the end of 2018.
Other major footwear companies have also throw their hats into the ring, including New
Balance, Under Armor, and Nike. Outside of athletics, 3D printing technology is also being
used to create products for orthotic purposes. Companies like SOLS and Wiiv are providing
customers with increased comfort and support through their 3D printed insoles.
Energy
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Additive manufacturing is also making its way into the energy sector. Companies are using
3D printing to enhance wind power, solar, and nuclear power systems.
The global tech giant Siemens has been leading the way, using additive manufacturing to
create gas turbines and also parts for nuclear power plants. We’ve seen 3D printing used to
produce devices that collect solar power as well.
As 3D printing technology continues to expand and the need for renewable energy grows, you
can expect to see this manufacturing technique used more and more in the energy sector.
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9/4/2018
Consumer Goods
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As additive manufacturing technologies continue to advance and become more accessible,

more and more businesses are using them to bring consumer goods to the market faster
than ever.
One primary use by the consumer goods industry is to produce functional prototypes in

materials that are able to withstand thermal, chemical, and mechanical stress. For complex
or custom parts, you can also 3D print injection molds to use for larger-scale production.
The main advantage that additive manufacturing technologies offer this eld is with rapid
prototyping. While products usually take a hefty amount of time to develop and then
redevelop once something goes awry, 3D printing helps to cut the production time and cost
down immensely.
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T E C H N O LO G I E S : T H E B E S T
C O M PA N I E S
While the number of 3D printing manufacturers continue to grow, there are a few veteran
companies that truly offer dependable machines coupled with seasoned experience.
Depending on what additive manufacturing technique best suits your needs, there’s a variety
of directions to look towards.
Here are some of the most well known and respected companies that offer industrial-level
3D printing systems.
TECHNOLOGIES: THE BEST COMPANIES
Stratasys
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Originally founded by S. Scott Crump back in 1989, the Minnesota-based company Stratasys
has been in the 3D printing game for a lengthy amount of time. The manufacturer is primarily
focused on providing o ce-based rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing
solutions.
Crump is considered to be the inventor of FDM printing, and Stratasys has constantly been
on the forefront of the professional additive manufacturing innovation. The company’s
printers have been used across the automotive, aerospace, dental, and consumer goods
market.
Stratasys breaks their products into four categories: Idea Series, Design Series, Production
Series, and Dental Series. Each branch offers different capabilities and bene ts, alongside a
vast array of professional materials.
For instance, the Fortus 3D printing line is alluded for its industrial capabilities, particularly in
regard to accuracy, repeatability, and predictability. This makes it an ideal machine for
functional prototyping and manufacturing production parts like jigs and xtures.
On the other hand, the Objet260 Connex3 is a PolyJet printer that offers color and multi-
material production. This machine is ideal for situations where the either the color of an
object, or the mechanical, optical, thermal properties of a material is critical.
The most recent addition to the Stratasys family is the F123 Series, a collection of three
printers that conquer the entire prototyping work ow and are easy to operate. It’s essentially
a plug-and-play printer for the professional setting, designed to maximize a
company’s productivity and output.
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Not only does Stratasys sell a massive range of industrial 3D printers, they also offer a
manufacturing service in the form of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. This service has
everything from FDM printing to CNC milling, enabling companies to print parts on demand
without having to invest in their own additive manufacturing machine.
Like most industrially-priced machines, those interested in a Stratasys printer must reach out
for a quote.
3D Systems
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3D Systems is another seasoned company that has pioneered 3D printing innovation. In fact,
founder Chuck Hull invented stereolithography back in 1986, and is considered by many to be
the father of 3D printing.
Much like its competitor Stratasys, 3D Systems offers a wide range of 3D printers that tackle
anything from metal additive manufacturing to full-color production.
Know for supplying end-to-end solutions, the Rock Hill, South Carolina-based company offers
additive manufacturing systems tailored for aerospace & defense, automotive, healthcare,
education, consumer goods, and more.
For instance, the ProX DMP line is a collection of metal 3D printers. This product range
includes large-scale production printers and entry level dental metal printers, ensuring that
each industry is covered.
The ProJet additive manufacturing systems offer professional 3D printed plastics in single-
color or full-color.
More recently, 3D Systems developed the Figure 4, a scalable and fully-integrated additive
manufacturing platform. According to the company, The Figure 4 platform produces plastic
parts more than 50 times faster than other additive manufacturing systems, delivering lower
total cost of operations.
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serve certain industries with their additive manufacturing solutions.
As with Stratasys, you can visit the 3D Systems website to nd more information on their
printers and receive a quote.
EOS
3
While Stratasys and 3D Systems are two of the most well recognized additive manufacturing
companies, they’re far from the only leaders. One of the best in the business is the German
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company EOS.
EOS offers additive manufacturing systems for plastics and metals. The company’s Direct
Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology is integrated into a wide range of platforms. These
machines are capable of printing high-quality prototypes and end-use products out of metal.
With a primary focus on laser sintering technology, EOS provides an end-to-end solution that
meets the needs of various industries. The P series consists of four plastic additive
manufacturing system, while the M series includes six different metal 3D printing platforms.
From aerospace engine parts to jewelry production, EOS machines are highly regarded for
manufacturing quality objects at low production costs.
TECHNOLOGIES:
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Other Companies
9/4/2018
Other Companies
4
While Stratasys, 3D Systems, and EOS are considered top players in the additive
manufacturing industry, there are other prominent companies that offer industrial-grade 3D
printing systems. Here are a few of the most popular!
EnvisionTEC – Since 2002, the company EnvisionTEC has pioneered the development of DLP
3D printing technology. Nowadays, the company offers more than 40 models of 3D printers
that are based on six different additive manufacturing technologies. One of EnivisionTEC’s
latest innovations is the Micro Plus cDLM technology, an enhanced version on their DLP
technology. The process allows for continuous motion of the build plate, essentially enabling
an even faster production process.
Concept Laser– One of the most renowned metal additive manufacturing companies is the

Germany-based Concept Laser. Their LaserCUSING process uses a high-energy ber laser to
melt down metal material and solidi es it while keeping the mechanical properties intact.
This technique also helps to reduce material waste and allows for the production of complex
geometries.
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consumer electronics. The company is currently pushing the market forward by providing
solutions that allow customers to print functional electronics like antennas and sensors onto
a variety of devices.
voxeljet – Yet another major additive manufacturing company from Germany, voxeljet
specializes in Powder Binder Jetting technology. This process offers more size and speed,
while also providing increased exibility and productivity in the work ow.
ExOne – The additive manufacturing company ExOne offers professional-grade printing

systems and also an on-demand printing service. Their production printers are among the
largest systems available on the market. These additive manufacturing systems
create complex sand molds, cores, and functional metal parts. ExOne claims that their
printers can reduce lead times while also producing more complex geometries with improved
accuracy and increased casting performance.
BigRep – The BigRep One 3D printer is a FDM printer that has a capacity of one cubic meter.
This gigantic printer is designed for professional and industrial use, making it ideal for
anything from furniture production to large-scale prototyping.
Sciaky – Sciaky specializes in Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) technology.

This metal 3D printing technology offers large-scale and high-value metal 3D printed parts.
The company positions their additive manufacturing system as a faster and more affordable
alternative to large-scale forgings and castings. Their patented Closed-Loop Control system
enables the production of metal parts with enhanced properties and microstructures.
Equipped with an EBAM dual wirefeed system, users can even combine two different metal
alloys into one.
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9/4/2018
Machines of the Future (Carbon, HP,

etc)
5
While the aforementioned companies certainly play a major role in the additive
manufacturing industry, the newcomers are the ones pushing the technology to the next
level.
Carbon- Although SLA/DLP 3D printing is already championed as a fast and high-quality

printing process, the Silicon Valley startup Carbon is taking that to a new level with their CLIP
(Continuous Liquid Interface Production) technology. The M1 and newer M2 3D printers offer
extremely high speed printing with remarkable repeatability. The company has also added
automated post-processing technique to their work ow. By balancing light and oxygen, the
CLIP process can quickly produce 3D printed parts from resin. Current customers include
Ford, BMW, CIDEAS, Sculpteo, and many others.
HP – Yes, we know, HP is de nitely one of the most widely known technology companies in
the entire world, but their plan to enter the 3D printing market is a relatively new feat. Their
Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer is gaining a lot of hype around the industry, and is expected to
challenge injection molding. They also unveiled the new HP 3D Open Materials and
Applications Lab, which will be used to develop materials for their additive manufacturing
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system. With the HP Jet Fusion 3200 and 4200 3D printers, users will be able to produce truly
functional parts at an extremely fast pace. HP is also working on integrating full-color 3D
printing in their system work ow. As the company that invented thermal inkjet printing, their
entrance into the 3D printing market is among the most excitable news stories and widely
anticipated products that the industry has seen thus far. Read more about their additive
manufacturing technology here.
Desktop Metal: Perhaps the youngest company mentioned in the additive manufacturing

overview, Desktop Metal is another startup that could revolutionize the 3D printing industry.
Desktop Metal recently unveiled their rst two 3D printers, the Studio System and Production
System. Their ultimate goal is to make high-performance metal 3D printing more affordable
and accessible. The Studio System uses their patented Bound Metal Deposition (BMD)
extrusion process, which functions similarly to FDM 3D printing but with metal powders and
a polymer mix. The Production System uses a process called “single pass jetting,” taking less
than three seconds to print a single layer. While there’s a massive amount of potential in
Desktop Metal’s technology, the company has just entered the game, and thus their
contribution to the additive manufacturing market remains to be seen. However, we certainly
have high hopes for them!
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T E C H N O LO G I E S : T H E B E S T
3D PRINTING SERVICES
If your business isn’t ready to make an investment in a professional-grade additive
manufacturing system, there’s a wide range of 3D printing services that will gladly print parts
for you. At All3DP, we have our very own 3D Printing Service Price Comparison Engine,
offering you the best prices from the three leading 3D printing service bureaus.
Here, we all offer a bit of information on each of these three 3D printing services, and also
showcase a few others that deserve mentioning.
TECHNOLOGIES: THE BEST 3D PRINTING
SERVICES
Shapeways
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With production facilities in both the Netherlands and New York City, the Dutch startup
Shapeways has grown into a global hub for professional 3D printing services. Customers can
order in a wide range of materials, from porcelain to aluminum. If you’re a business looking
to achieve rapid prototyping or small batch production, you can use their business channels
to get a more economically sound deal.
Shapeways has industrial printers from EOS, 3D Systems, Objet, Z-and Corp, offering
selective laser sintering, binder-jet steel 3D printing, and wax casting. You can order prints in
over 50 different materials, giving you a rst-hand look at the capabilities of industrial-grade
additive manufacturing technologies.
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2
SERVICES
i.Materialise
Another widely respected 3D printing service is the Belgium-based additive manufacturing

service i.Materialise. The service offers 20 different materials in over 100 different color and
nish combinations.
For more business-minded customers, the parent company Materialise has constructed a
one-stop shop for industrial 3D printing technology. The additive manufacturing pioneers
help offer advice on which process is best for your application, including laser sintering, SLA,
FDM, metal 3D printing, ColorJet, PolyJet, Vacuum Casting, and even HP Multi Jet Fusion.
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3
SERVICES
Sculpteo
The French 3D printing service Sculpteo is another dependable option for all your additive
manufacturing needs. This service bureau offers both 3D printing technology and laser
cutting, giving customers an extensive range of options to produce their prototypes or use-
end parts. Sculpteo’s printing service includes SLS, Metal and Multicolor Binder Jetting,
PolyJet, SLM, and even Carbon CLIP 3D printing. With a vast amount of materials at hand,
Sculpteo has emerged as one of the top 3D printing services around.
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SERVICES
Other Services
4
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3D Hubs– Recognized as the largest network of 3D printing services, 3D Hubs offers a

selection of nearly 7,000 different online services, ranging from professional additive
manufacturing to desktop FDM 3D printing. 3D Hubs will connect you directly with a service
in your local area, enabling quick turnaround times. You can lter out services by materials,
user rating, distance, and many other factors.
Xometry – Based in Maryland, the on-demand manufacturing company Xometry offers 3D

printing, CNC machining, and other manufacturing techniques. The service is trusted by the
likes of GE, NASA, MIT, and the U.S. Army. Xometry’s easy-to-use software platform provides
instant information on pricing, lead times, and optimal processes to create your custom
parts.
WhiteClouds – Known for being one of the largest full-color 3D printing services in the world,
WhiteClouds is highly focused on B2B customers, working with various retailers and brands
to produce anything from personalized action gures to medical models to health care
professionals. This service uses industrial printers from 3D Systems and Stratasys.
Fathom – The Oakland-based 3D printing service Fathom boasts a wide range of Stratasys
3D printers and high-quality post-processing techniques. With a focus on B2B customers, the
3D printing service also offers manufacturing services beyond additive manufacturing,
coupling the technology with CNC Machining, Urethane casting, injection molding, and more.
There are many other professional 3D printing services to choose from. The best match for
your idea or business will depend on the additive manufacturing technology and materials
you need, the turnaround time required, the price, and more.
If you want to learn more about the best 3D printing services out there, check out our
extensive list here: 33 Best Online 3D Printing Services of 2018
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TECHNOLOGIES
Conclusion
In conclusion, as you can infer from our lengthy Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Overview, there are a lot of factors to consider when looking to integrate 3D printing
technology into your business or manufacturing work ow. The way that the industry is
growing, it seems inevitable that additive manufacturing will continue to grow into a go-to
prototyping and production method.
Most importantly, if you are interested in learning more about additive manufacturing
technologies and which 3D printing system is best for your needs, do extensive research and
look into various case studies that relate to your professional aspirations.
Additive manufacturing is a magni cent and revolutionary technology, especially on an

industrial level. The sooner you can integrate it into your daily operations, the sooner your
manufacturing capabilities and
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If you have any further questions on additive manufacturing technologies, comment them
below and we’ll do our best to assist you.
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9/4/2018 Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Introduction & Overview | All3DP

The Ultimate Guide!

Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Introduction &

Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Introduction & Overview

Want to learn more about additive manufacturing technologies? Here's a

Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Overview

Pros & Cons

While 3D printing is a considerably groundbreaking technology, there are advantages and

Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Pros

Fused Deposition Modeling

Selective Laser Sintering

However, it’s important to note that SLS printing is impossible to manufacture a fully

Selective Laser Melting/Electron Beam

For example, Stratasys’ PolyJet 3D printing can produce highly detailed models in an array of

Additive manufacturing technologies have also become a major in uencer in the

Don’t Miss: 35 Greatest 3D Printed Houses & Structures of 2017

For example, Optomec’s Aerosol Jet printing technology produces 3D printed

As additive manufacturing technologies continue to advance and become more accessible,

One primary use by the consumer goods industry is to produce functional prototypes in

Concept Laser– One of the most renowned metal additive manufacturing companies is the

ExOne – The additive manufacturing company ExOne offers professional-grade printing

Sciaky – Sciaky specializes in Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) technology.

Machines of the Future (Carbon, HP,

Carbon- Although SLA/DLP 3D printing is already championed as a fast and high-quality

Desktop Metal: Perhaps the youngest company mentioned in the additive manufacturing

Another widely respected 3D printing service is the Belgium-based additive manufacturing

3D Hubs– Recognized as the largest network of 3D printing services, 3D Hubs offers a

Xometry – Based in Maryland, the on-demand manufacturing company Xometry offers 3D

Additive manufacturing is a magni cent and revolutionary technology, especially on an

Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Join the discussion…

Mauricio Navarro • 2 months ago

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