Additive Manufacturing Materials: 3D Printing’s Greatest Challenge

Material selection is truly the frontier of development for additive manufacturing. Here's why.

There are thousands of materials on the market with different manufacturing applications in conventional processes like molding or machining. But what about for additive manufacturing?

Material cost and selection is one of the major targets in the development and adoption of 3D printing in industrial production.

The rate of adoption of industrial additive manufacturing will be directly correlated to availability of a diverse range of custom commodity and engineering materials. Engineering.com spoke with additive manufacturing experts at this year’s RAPID tct trade show hosted in Detroit, Michigan.

Whether they fuse powder, cure resin or lay down filament, 3D printers have come a long way in terms of accuracy, precision, reliability, and capability. But if you ask us, material selection is truly the frontier of development for additive manufacturing.

Check out our latest video on metal additive manufacturing here.

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.