Additive Manufacturing als Process Ready for Serial Production

The additive production processes are increasingly developed from Rapid Prototyping to Additive Manufacturing (AM), which provides an outstanding technological and economic potential for a variety of industries. Particularly in the area of varied small series production these technologies offer significant advantages in terms of reducing component weight, the integration of additional functions and the production of complex geometries or individual components. Due to the juvenileness of the technology there is a lack of knowledge concerning the technology itself, its possibilities and application potentials in many companies. In addition the costs are often regarded as a critical success factor for the widespread use of the technology. In particular the smart use of AM will affect the positive impact on the future economic use of a product throughout its life cycle.