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Additive Manufacturing - Precision in a Prototype
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Posted On :
Dec-01-2010
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Article Word Count :
417
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Back in the day, making a model or prototype required you to start with a chunk of some raw material such as clay, wood, or metal, and to gradually chip away at it until it formed the prototype of your design.
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Back in the day, making a model or prototype required you to start with a chunk of some raw material such as clay, wood, or metal, and to gradually chip away at it until it formed the prototype of your design. This is often known as subtractive manufacturing, since it involves subtracting from the original material to create your prototype or product. Additive manufacturing takes a different approach - the opposite approach, in fact. Instead of subtracting layers of materials, it gradually adds layers where they are needed in order to form the prototype. This process is particularly useful when it comes to metal prototyping.
Additive manufacturing is particularly useful in the area of metal prototyping for a variety of reasons. One of the most distinctive properties of metal is that it is hard. This means that a metal prototype will be durable and can even be used in production. But because metal is so hard, it can also be difficult to cut into with accuracy to form a model by subtractive manufacturing. In fact, it can be extremely difficult to produce an accurate model or prototype by this method. It comes with a lot of challenges, and that is why it is hardly ever used anymore.
By sintering thin layers of powdered metal to one another, you can gradually add to your prototype until you have a finished model. Additive manufacturing makes it much easier to form metal prototypes with precision. Instead of chipping away at hardened metal, trying not to do any more damage than necessary, metal sintering allows you to bond together powdered metal one layer at a time. Each layer is only twenty microns thick, so you can reach unparalleled levels of detail in your metal prototyping by using this method. Making a metal prototype has never been easier or more accurate.
It is important for metal prototyping to be as accurate as possible. These metal prototypes are usually used as parts in machines, and if they are not built precisely to specifications, they can cause damage to important machinery. Additive manufacturing allows you to build accurate prototypes without having to manufacture them in bulk before you are sure that the design is just right for what you need. Being able to build a precise metal prototype that you can actually use means that you will be able to reach a design conclusion much faster than you would have been able to if you had used less accurate prototypes.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Additive Manufacturing - Precision in a Prototype_43574.aspx
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Author Resource :
Visit http://www.directedMFG.com for more information regarding why this company is one of the top additive manufacturing companies in the world. As one of the premier metal prototyping companies, DirectedMFG continues to provide its customers with products and services that meet and exceed expectations. Contact DirectedMFG today by calling 714-546-1113.
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Keywords :
directed mfg, production sls, AS9100B, 17-4 stainless steel, Metal laser sintering,
Category :
Business
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Business
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