Why Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)?

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has rewritten the rule book for modern design and engineering. 3D printed parts are durable and inexpensive at low volumes. They:

• Achieve previously impossible complex geometries

• Do not require any tooling or other start-up expenses

• Reduce initial production costs

• Enables on-demand manufacturing

But the best design practices for traditional manufacturing technologies do not apply directly to additive manufacturing, and, in fact, can prevent users from getting the greatest value out of their 3D printing operations.

To Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM):

• Start early in the Product Development cycle to include the benefits of AM

• Factor in mechanical differences; 3D printing can produce shapes not possible with injection molding or machining.

  • Design latticed interior structures to reduce part weight and volume without sacrificing strength

  • Change part orientation to manipulate part rigidity levels

  • Think about ways to increase build density to increase part quantity and cost.