Additive Manufacturing Process Control and Equipment

Process control is a set of procedures designed to ensure that processes within a manufacturing plant are carried out correctly and that the desired output will be achieved. Additive manufacturing is the process of applying 3D-printing to industrial production that allows materials to be created without joints and with minimal post-processing. Multiple materials can be used during this process, which makes it easy to create new products with minimal waste and lower materials costs.

• VAT Photopolymerisation. Vat polymerisation uses a vat of liquid photopolymer resin, out of which the model is constructed layer by layer
  
• Material Jetting
• Binder Jetting
• Material Extrusion
• Powder Bed Fusion
• Sheet Lamination
• Directed Energy Deposition 

The 3D printer itself is typically only one part of the investment in additive manufacturing. Nearly every process and application will require support beyond the printer and material. 

AM users may need to invest in new software products such as slicing programs, generative design or topology optimization, and/or build simulation. The specific 3D printing process and system used will dictate what hardware is needed in addition to the 3D printer. For example, here are simplified equipment lists for several common AM methods: 

• Metal Powder Bed Fusion
• Metal Binder Jetting
• Polymer Powder Bed Fusion
• Photopolymerization