Additive Engineering – Art or Science?
Additive Engineering is a design process used to create objects though Additive Manufacturing.
The approach itself is simple, a computer model is created and analyzed in a Computer Aided Design software (CAD). The CAD model is read by Additive Manufacturing equipment where the object is fabricated layer by layer using liquid, powder, sheet material or other mediums.
Though the approach is simple, the practice of designing components strictly for Additive Manufacturing processes is still in its infancy. Colleges and Universities have begun teaching engineers in Additive Manufacturing; however, todays practicing engineers and designers have been trained in designing components for traditional manufacturing processes which have their own set of rules and best practices.
The challenges of Additive Manufacturing are in Additive Engineering. Some, not all, of the challenges are listed below:
- Is Additive Manufacturing the best process to use
- Which Additive Manufacturing process to use
- Material selection
- Part design to specifically use Additive Manufacturing
- Inspection
- Design to reduce secondary operations
Capitol GCS can help you understand both the art and science of Additive Engineering. Our Director of Engineering, Mr. Tim Jones, spent years operating his own Rapid Prototyping company. Capitol GCS can help you answer the questions associated with Additive Engineering and successfully produce parts for your needs.