3D, NO WAITING!

Two companies' latest techniques take additive manufacturing to the next level

Few will dispute that additive manufacturing - commonly called 3D printing - has endured a development path of fits and starts. But as niche applications, an ever-increasing array of material choices - and the innovative specialists nurturing it all - continue to thrive, additive manufacturing continues on a steady track toward its longstanding twin challenges of cost- and throughputcompetitiveness with traditional manufacturing processes.

Recently, Automotive Engineering spoke with two key advocates of 3D printing, Los Angeles' Divergent/Czinger 21C and 3D Systems, based in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Each is executing a unique strategy to explore and advance the future of additive manufacturing.