The value of additive manufacturing: future opportunities

Topics: Additive Manufacturing, process chain, biomaterials
Type: Briefing paper
Publication date: September 2017

Download

Download the full paper [PDF]

Download the summary [PDF]

Authors

Billy Wu, Connor Myant and Shoshana Z. Weider

Summary

This paper presents an overview of the potential economic, technical and environmental benefits of additive manufacturing (AM) – 3D printing – as well as the current hurdles across the AM process chain that need to be overcome to realise a more-effective and more-profitable industry. For example, improved design software, faster printing technology, increased automation and better industry standards are required.

Headlines

  • Imperial College London is equipped to play a leading role in the UK's ever-growing AM landscape. The current portfolio of AM-based research is varied and encompasses problems across the entire design-to-end-use-product chain.
  • Research projects include, for instance, the development of new design methodologies for optimised multimaterial AM parts, novel metal-based AM printing techniques, investigations of fundamental AM material properties and 3D printing of next-generation biomaterials for medical applications.
  • AM research at Imperial can be further extended by capitalising on the College's world-class scientific and engineering expertise and factilities, its culture of collaboration and history of effective research translation.
  • There are several ways for external partners interested in the AM field to engage with Imperial academics: focused workshops, bespoke consultancy services, funding for specific research projects and facilities, or student placements.

Download

Download the full paper [PDF]

Download the summary [PDF]