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Formnext – Hub for Additive Manufacturing

Even when Formnext isn’t on in Frankfurt, we’re the partner you can always rely on for information and services relating to AM 365 days a year. Now, you can also explore the AM hub on our new website.

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AM technologies at a glance – AM Field Guide

The AM Field Guide gives an initial, structured overview of the complex, multilayered world of additive manufacturing processes.

Areas of application AM process in general AM for polymers AM for metals AM for other materials Downloads
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Ritter

Welcome to the AM Field Guide!
The large number of additive manufacturing processes that have come up and developed in recent years can be very confusing if the process-specific differences are not known. In this respect, the AM Field Guide aims to provide a first basic understanding of the individual process principles, separated according to the material areas metals, polymers and other materials. The AM Field Guide structures the processes and focuses on the main technologies relevant to the market.
Have fun discovering the exciting world of Additive Manufacturing.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Ritter

Areas of application

Areas of application

Where can additive manufacturing technologies be used in an economically viable way? Learn more about the 6 basic areas of application.

 

Areas of application

The AM process as a whole AM process in general

Although the "additive printing process" itself is key to the procedure, it is just one small part of a complex process chain. From the idea through to the final, finished product, there are lots of process steps to run through.

Development phase

Development phase

Which requirements and basic conditions must be considered before the component is built up.

Development phase

AM production phase

AM production phase

For the successful integration of AM into your production, fundamental questions must be answered.

AM production phase

Post-processing phase

Post-processing phase

After the printing process many AM components must be reworked. Post-processing is sometimes the greater challenge than the additive printing process itself.

Post-processing phase

Additive Manufacturing – The processes at a glance

The AM processes most commonly available on the market are illustrated schematically, divided into processes for polymers, metals and other materials. They are classified according to their core process, a brief description of which is then provided. There are lots of derivatives and special processes that are used alongside the main processes illustrated in this document, they are just not covered explicitly..

Additive Manufacturing for polymers

Additive Manufacturing for polymers

Additive Manufacturing with polymers represents the majority of the additively produced components. Here you will find an overview of the most important processes.
Additive Manufacturing for metals

Additive Manufacturing for metals

Even though the AM production with metals is considerably more cost-intensive than with polymers, their relevance in industrial use is undisputed. These are the common AM processes for metals.
Additive Manufacturing for other materials

Additive Manufacturing for other materials

In addition to the processing of polymers and metals, other materials can also be used in AM. These include ceramics, sand and composites as well as concrete and paper.
Downloads

Downloads

The AM Field Guide Compact offers you an overview of the most common AM procedures.

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