6 Trends in Additive Manufacturing Technology at IMTS 2024
3D printers are getting bigger, faster and smarter. But don’t overlook the other equipment that the AM workflow requires, nor the value of finding the right supplier.
The role of additive manufacturing (AM) in part production is growing, and at IMTS—The International Manufacturing Technology Show happening September 9-14 this year, its footprint is expanding to match. IMTS 2024 features a larger Additive Manufacturing Pavilion than ever before, with veteran suppliers alongside startups and newcomers at the front of the West Building. As you browse these exhibitors, as well as booths found elsewhere at the show, keep an eye out for these trends in AM:
1. Larger Build Volumes
More options for large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) are represented at this year’s show. While there’s no standard for what makes a printer “large,” expect to see expanded build volumes compared to years past and more systems making use of robots to extend their reach. Keep in mind that larger build volumes are useful not just for building larger parts, but also for printing larger batches of smaller parts at once.
For processes such as wire arc additive manufacturing and pellet extrusion as seen here, using a robot to provide the motion of the print head can be a flexible way of extending the build envelope to create larger components.
2. New Options in Metals
From more affordable equipment to new processes to fresh takes on older technologies, there is more variety this year in additive machines for metal part production. Keep an eye out for directed energy deposition (DED) systems designed for the shop floor; multiple “flavors” of electron beam melting (EBM); and various types of sinter-based processes. Also look beyond the AM Pavilion for hybrid machines and others. If you haven’t reevaluated metal 3D printing options recently, this is the time to do so.
DED systems that use wire as their feedstock can be more user-friendly than powder-based systems simply because material handling becomes easier.
3. Productivity Advances
New 3D printers and updates to existing systems are making processes faster and more productive. Look for features geared toward speed and efficiency, particularly amongst laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), fused filament fabrication (FFF) and stereolithography 3D printers.
3D printed parts such as these medical implants will almost always require some form of postprocessing such as finish machining (which also means they will also require cutting tools and workholding solutions).
4. The Other Parts of the AM Workflow
3D printing is the core step in additive manufacturing, but it is preceded by material selection, design and build preparation, and followed by postprocessing and finishing. Whether you have a specific process or printer in mind, take time to explore the other hardware and software you might need — including visiting other Pavilions.
Working with a service provider can be a good way to dip into additive manufacturing, as well as an option for digitizing inventory so that spare parts like these air ducts can be produced on demand.
5. Services Available
Successfully implementing 3D printing doesn’t necessarily mean owning the equipment internally. For companies not yet ready to commit to additive, or for those with AM needs extending beyond their own equipment, you’ll find a number of service providers scattered throughout the AM Pavilion ready to help with your next project.
6. Smarter Additive Manufacturing
Software suppliers on hand in the AM Pavilion are improving 3D printing outcomes with tools for part design, build preparation, traceability, simulation and more. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, computer vision, sensors and more are making additive manufacturing more reliable, as well as more automated. The next phase of AM is optimized, intelligent and responsive — and you’ll find the tools enabling this here at IMTS.
Related Content
With Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing (ECAM), Cooling Technology Is Advancing by Degrees
San Diego-based Fabric8Labs is applying electroplating chemistries and DLP-style machines to 3D print cold plates for the semiconductor industry in pure copper. These complex geometries combined with the rise of liquid cooling systems promise significant improvements for thermal management.
Read MoreHow Norsk Titanium Is Scaling Up AM Production — and Employment — in New York State
New opportunities for part production via the company’s forging-like additive process are coming from the aerospace industry as well as a different sector, the semiconductor industry.
Read MoreActivArmor Casts and Splints Are Shifting to Point-of-Care 3D Printing
ActivArmor offers individualized, 3D printed casts and splints for various diagnoses. The company is in the process of shifting to point-of-care printing and aims to promote positive healing outcomes and improved hygienics with customized support devices.
Read More10 Important Developments in Additive Manufacturing Seen at Formnext 2022 (Includes Video)
The leading trade show dedicated to the advance of industrial 3D printing returned to the scale and energy not seen since before the pandemic. More ceramics, fewer supports structures and finding opportunities in wavelengths — these are just some of the AM advances notable at the show this year.
Read MoreRead Next
AM Workshop at IMTS: Succeeding With Powder Bed Fusion
A half-day event at the International Manufacturing Technology Show focuses on tactics for success for machine shops and other manufacturers preparing to embrace production 3D printing via powder bed fusion.
Read MoreCarnegie Mellon Helps Industry, Students Prepare for a Manufacturing Future with AM and AI
Work underway at the university’s Next Manufacturing Center and Manufacturing Futures Institute is helping industrial additive manufacturers achieve success today, while applying artificial intelligence, surrogate modeling and more to solve the problems of the future.
Read MoreNew Equipment, Additive Manufacturing for Casting Replacement and AM's Next Phase at IMTS 2024: AM Radio #54
Additive manufacturing’s presence at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show revealed trends in technology as well as how 3D printing is being applied today and where it will be tomorrow. Peter Zelinski and I share observations from the show on this episode of AM Radio.
Read More