Adding 3D printing to design, manufacturing processes

Additive manufacturing is beginning to transform operations from early development through fulfilling requests for obsolete components. Integrating 3D printing into the design and manufacturing operations can be a slow process, since a broad range of parameters must be examined, sometimes on a case-by-case basis.

Additive processing has already altered many fields, but it's still fairly new in the high reliability world of commercial vehicles. The technology is often used for prototypes, since production times are far shorter than for parts made with conventional manufacturing techniques. Companies are striving to understand the nuances of components and expand their usage of additive processes.