Rapid Manufacturing (RM) is seen by many as one of the most important emerging technologies that will drive the future manufacturing economy. Because RM uses layer-wise manufacturing, traditional Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles no longer need apply. Therefore, RM components can be manufactured with no split lines, or with complex internal and re-entrant features. RM also allows for significant part consolidation, reducing manufacturing, assembly and inspection costs.
One of the most notable advantages of RM is the elimination of tooling. Without the constraints of tooling, jigs and fixtures, RM provides manufacturers the ability to produce cost effective batch sizes of ‘one’, or the ability to manufacture parts at multiple locations or with multiple product design iterations at no additional cost.
For some polymeric and metallic based components, RM has now become a mainstream manufacturing process. Recent developments in RM cost modelling show current technologies, which were initially designed to manufacture prototypes volumes, being cost effective in the manufacture of tens of thousands of polymer parts and the low hundreds of metallic parts.
The impact of Rapid Manufacturing on business is therefore significant, as the technology changes all aspect of a company’s business strategy, from product design and development, through manufacturing and supply, to delivery, logistics and after sales service. For this reason Econolyst have developed a suite of training tools to support people within both private businesses and public organisation to understand the importance of Rapid Manufacturing.
Econolyst are also happy to be the headline sponsor and co-organiser of the International Rapid Manufacturing Conference held annually at Loughborough University.