How to Quantify the Benefits of Integrating Additive with Conventional Manufacturing?

The benefits of Additive Manufacturing “AM” have rightly been heralded for their growing impact on many industries. The perception is often that by adopting AM, it elevates the capabilities of an entire company. While this can be true, AM is rarely a sole performer in the manufacturing space and is only beneficial when paired with more conventional manufacturing techniques.

One may rightly consider AM “another tool in the toolbox,” yet what is the optimal way to evaluate its benefits and how can this be compared to complementary and alternative processes?

Come and survey how to quantify the benefits of directed energy deposition and material extrusion and their integration with mainstream manufacturing methods including machining, casting, forging, and coating technologies. In some cases, AM can help reduce steps in a multi-step workflow. In other cases, AM can be used to directly augment parts made fully or partially by these mainstream techniques. In all cases the use of digitally driven manufacturing is often more amenable to additional automation, data harvesting, and inspection than traditional techniques. Ultimately time, cost, quality, and capability benefits must be quantified holistically to guide towards the total lowest cost of ownership approach. Examples of this will be showcased to provide attendees a broadened perspective on how integrated workflows of AM with conventional manufacturing can improve sustainment/part repair and new part production.