Also referred to as 3D manufacturing, additive manufacturing starts with a 3D model on a computer. Then, a machine that uses powdered metal and some additive substances puts material in the right places, layer by layer, to create the final product.
Using additive manufacturing, parts that previously needed to be manufactured in multiple pieces can now be made in a single piece. This impacts everything from production times to cost.
The advantages of using additive manufacturing include:
Not all metal fabricated parts are a good fit for additive manufacturing. Ideal parts for this manufacturing method are those that:
Ryerson has invested in FreeForm Technologies, a leader in additive manufacturing, to help you get your parts done quickly and efficiently. FreeForm uses a method called Metal Binder Jet that combines metal powder and binder to transform a model into an end-use.
Ready for a discussion about how additive manufacturing can help you reduce time and cost constraints with producing small parts?