Is Additive Manufacturing Right For Metal Fabrication?

If you are a manufacturer or a supplier associated with the metal fabricating business, it is most likely that you have experience working with computer numerical control or CNC machines. If you are well versed with the technology, then you also know that adding and adopting CNC capabilities to a machine is no simple task, as integration is actually quite complex. However, it has not only become possible but has also been simplified by the introduction of additive manufacturing in the industry.

Here’s the importance of additive manufacturing in the metal fabricating business:

What is additive manufacturing?

Officially known as Additive Layer Manufacturing, the process is essentially a form of 3D printing. For the uninitiated, 3D printing is a process where three-dimensional objects are created by layers on the directive of a computer. To achieve this, manufacturers use computer-aided design (CAD) to create products that precisely match the design specifications.

It’s another technology that’s expected to make a significant impact on manufacturing, particularly on the metal fabrication process. One of the major reasons for its appeal in this sector is the lack of material and energy wastage, as well as the ease of manufacturing parts on a small scale, especially prototypes. Due to this reason, it’s poised to penetrate not just the aerospace industry but is also expected to dominate the fabrication of virtually all types of metal components.

Factors To Consider:

For all its incredible benefits, additive manufacturing is not the right choice in all cases. To make sure that this technology is right for your business, consider the following two factors.

Parts consolidation:

If the parts can be redesigned to benefit from additive manufacturing, then the process is right for you. Since AM generates a lower cost per part, the consolidation of those parts will result in greater savings.

Production time:

For this criteria, it is vital to see if being the first in the market is more beneficial than reducing the production cost per part. If this is the case, then AM works best at getting metal parts and products in record time, meeting deadlines with ease.

Thus, additive manufacturing is a great alternative in the metal fabrication industry due to its unique process.

Diligently serving clients in Ontario since 2004, we at Baseline Custom Fabricating Ltd. are experts in the field of custom metal fabrication and laser cutting services. Contact us today to know more about our wide range of services.