Preparing an additive manufacturing project
An additive manufacturing project starts with the part’s requirements, before selecting a machine. This guide sets out four steps to frame technical and industrial questions. Then explore our in-depth features on processes, materials and validation.
Start with the need
Which part or service do you want to improve? Define the intended use, volumes and constraints to investigate.
Explore the available choices
Which combinations of design, materials and processes should be compared? What trials would help inform that choice?
Prepare the whole workflow
What will be needed after printing: finishing, inspection, skills and organisation? Who will own each step?
Define the decision criteria
What results do you expect from a trial? Which criteria will determine whether to proceed, adapt or stop the project?
Three terms to know
- FA / AM
- Additive manufacturing / Fabrication additive.
- Post-processing
- Operations performed after printing.
- Qualification
- Demonstrating that defined requirements are met for the intended use.
Go further with our features
Two complementary readings: investment decisions and manufacturing challenges.
