Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Different approaches, different strengths
Additive manufacturing with powder, primarily known as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), is a process where a bed of metal, plastic, or ceramic powder is built up layer by layer. A laser beam melts the powder at the desired locations to create a layer of the object. Then, a new layer of powder is applied, and the process is repeated until the entire object is created.
On the other hand, additive manufacturing with wire, also known as Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), is based on melting a metal or alloy wire. The wire is melted using an electric arc or laser beam and deposited onto the desired locations to build up the object layer by layer.
Both approaches have their specific advantages. Additive manufacturing with powder allows for high precision and detail accuracy as the powder is applied in fine layers. It is also suitable for complex geometries and can work with a variety of materials. Additive manufacturing with wire, on the other hand, offers high build speed and can produce large-format objects.
The choice of the right approach depends on the specific requirements of the application.