Basics
What Is Directed Energy Deposition?
Analyzing directed energy deposition and powder-bed fusion provides a thorough understanding of the extra machining necessary for a “near-net shape” versus a “net shape” manufacturing process.
February 15, 2019 - Timothy W. Simpson
Technology
Additive Manufacturing for Large Parts
Powder-bed fusion is driving the hype for additive manufacturing right now, but it may not be the best answer. Directed energy deposition is a strong contender.
January 30, 2019 - Timothy W. Simpson
Basics
Options for Finishing and Postprocessing Metal 3D-Printed Parts
There is a host of technologies available for finishing and postprocessing your AM parts. This column identifies options beyond machining.
December 19, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson
Basics
Can My Machine Tool Access My Support Structures?
Analyzing the machinability of support structures opens a new way of thinking about optimal build orientation.
November 19, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson
Basics
Understanding Surface Finish of Metal 3D-Printed Parts
Additive manufacturing imposes inherent manufacturing and design challenges that impact the dimensions and tolerances that you can (or cannot) achieve on an “as built” part.
October 24, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson
Basics
How Machining Support Structures Affects the Cutting Tool
Studies show that thin-walled additively manufactured support structures may be more challenging to machine than they might appear.
September 19, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson
Metal AM
How Machinable Are Support Structures in a Metal 3D-Printed Part?
What happens when you cut away thin-walled supports on your metal 3D-printed part?
August 27, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson
Basics
Finding the Value Proposition for Additive Manufacturing
Why would anyone want to use additive manufacturing?
June 25, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson
Metal AM
Postprocessing Steps and Costs for Metal 3D Printing
When your metal part is done 3D printing, you just pull it out of the machine and start using it, right? Not even close.
May 21, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson
Basics
Why Does My 3D-Printed Part Cost So Much?
The machine, the facility and the material are just three costs behind the price tag.
May 7, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson
Basics
With Additive Manufacturing, No Tooling Is Required
In conventional manufacturing methods, tooling can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. With AM, you print as needed, no jigs, fixtures or tooling required.
March 23, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson
Basics
AM Enables Manufacturing for Design, Not the Other Way Around
Additive manufacturing allows us to make any shape we want, without having to adapt the design for the manufacturing process.
February 16, 2018 - Timothy W. Simpson