The range of technologies within the Additive Layer Manufacturing sector is constantly evolving. Equally important are the advances in the materials developed to run on each system. This technology push coupled with increased understanding of methodologies and applications is generating significant interest in the manufacturing industry.

The processes can be grouped into subsets, however each separate technology will have its own specific characteristics.

• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
• Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
• Laminated Object Manufacture (LOM)
• Polyjet Printing
• Powder/Binder Printing (3D Printing)
• Direct Metal Deposition (DMD)
• Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
• Ultrasonic Consolidation (USC)
• High Speed Sintering (HSS)

Terminology

The terms used to describe Additive Layer Manufacturing have have in the past become misused and can lead to confusion without proper definition. For example the term Rapid Manufacturing to some encompasses other time saving technologies such as CNC machining and small batch soft tool injection moulding. For clarification this site will refer to the following definitions.

Rapid Prototyping

 Technologies which produce parts directly from CAD data using an additive fabrication process.

Rapid Manufacturing

 A Rapid Prototyping technology is used to produce an end use component.

Rapid Tooling

A Rapid Prototyping technology is used to produce tooling used in the manufacture of an end use component.

Terminology Explained