3D printing or additive manufacturing

What are the differences between 3D printing and additive manufacturing?

3D printing and additive manufacturing are one and the same method. However, 3D printing is the more commonly used expression, whereas additive manufacturing is a more professional term. The distinction is often made according to the materials used (plastic or metal).

All about laser 3D printing

Used since the 1980s, 3D printing makes it possible to print material in order to create an object. Production is controlled by a computer compiling the object’s three-dimensional data. This technique is mainly used on plastics and polymers. It was invented to produce prototypes quickly and economically. It also makes it possible to customise objects at lower cost. Metal 3D printing, for its part, makes it possible to produce complex metal parts.

Additive manufacturing: definition and use

Additive manufacturing is a technique that transforms a 3D file into an object by stacking layers of material. This technology is mainly used on metallic materials and plastics. More efficient than traditional production methods, additive manufacturing offers great freedom in design, whether in terms of styling, shape or quantities.

Would you like to create physical objects using additive manufacturing? Contact the professionals at IREPA LASER. Thanks to many years of experience in additive manufacturing and the support of numerous research scientists, the company provides you with comprehensive support throughout your production.