3D and Additive Manufacturing – What is the Difference?
While additive manufacturing and 3D printing are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences that are important to understand when selecting the best approach for your project. Both methods create three-dimensional parts and prototypes, but they can employ different processes to achieve this. Understanding 3D printing In 3D printing, material layers are added to a build chamber based on instructions from CAD software. While the process traditionally uses polymers and plastics, advancements in technology now allow for the use of metals through methods like direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). 3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing because the process adds material to build a part one layer at a time. However, it is more versatile than other additive manufacturing methods like direct energy deposition and sheet lamination, especially in building parts with complex shapes or geometries. Additionally, additive manufacturing with 3D printing delivers hig