Additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, is a manufacturing process

that is lauded as the first manufacturing revolution of the 21st century. It is, by definition, a
process where material (solid filaments, powdered particles, or liquid resins) is added layer
by layer to create a 3-dimensional object. The material is added based off a 3D CAD model
that is created using the appropriate CAD software. The first step in the process is to design
the 3D model using the relevant software and saving it as a file in the relevant format. The
file must then be transferred to a slicing software compatible with your printer where the
model is sliced and converted into Geometric Code (G-Code) that can be understood by the
printer. The code dictates the exact places where material should be added in each layer for
the final object to be created. The file with the G-Code is then transferred to the printer and
used to form the final object.
Additive manufacturing differs from other manufacturing processes in many ways. One of
these includes the amount of waste since other manufacturing processes, particularly
subtractive manufacturing, waste copious amounts of material that can be used in far more
helpful ways. Additive manufacturing however is almost completely free of waste since
material is only added when needed. Another way additive manufacturing differs from
other manufacturing processes is the efficient accuracy of 3D printing. In other
manufacturing processes, precision is either difficult to achieve (common in forming), or
incredibly time-consuming (common in subtractive manufacturing, casting, and joining).
However, in additive manufacturing, material is quickly and precisely added exactly where
needed thanks to the G-Code of the sliced model.
However, although additive manufacturing has many advantages, there are certain
disadvantages to using it. For example, when trying to create larger objects, additive
manufacturing can be time-consuming since the initial layer of resin has to dry before
another layer can be applied. Also, purchasing a printer can be extremely expensive, making
additive manufacturing a non-cost-effective manufacturing method. On top of this, products
created through additive manufacturing often require post-processing to reach the desired
outcome, this can include curing, removal of support structures, sanding, and polishing.
Liquid-based, solid-based, and powder-based additive manufacturing processes represent
distinct methodologies in the realm of 3D printing, each with its unique advantages and
applications. Liquid-based additive manufacturing, of which methods include SLA and Inkjet,
uses a photopolymer resin that is applied and solidified using a laser. This method offers
high resolution and smooth surface finishes, making it ideal for producing intricate
prototypes and detailed models with fine features. Solid-based additive manufacturing, such
as Ultrasonic (UAM) and Cold Spray (CSAM), utilizes thermoplastic filaments which are
heated and extruded layer by layer to form the desired object. It provides robustness and
affordability, suitable for manufacturing durable parts and functional prototypes with
moderate complexity. Alternately, powder-based additive manufacturing, including Binder
Jetting (BJAM) and Screen or Stencil Printing (SPAM), utilizes a powdered material, often
metals or plastics, which is selectively fused together by a laser or electron beam. This
method enables the fabrication of intricate and strong parts, with the capability to produce
complex geometries and functional end-use components directly from digital designs. While

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each approach has its merits, the choice among them depends on factors such as desired
material properties, surface finish requirements, and the intended application of the printed
objects [1].
Additive manufacturing can be used in many wys to support the priorities of high-tech
industries, one of which includes the medical industry. With its wide variety of uses within
the medical industry, from the creation of precise, anatomical models to surgical grade
components, additive manufacturing has proven to be instrumental in the advancement of
modern medicine and is likely to continue to do so in years to come. Of the many ways
additive manufacturing is used in the medical industry, one of these includes medical
implants and life-saving devices that can be personalised to best fit the patient. This means
that the patient can recover and adapt far more effectively since the device has been
adapted to best fit their needs. Another application of additive manufacturing in medicine is
its ability to create advanced medical devices that were previously impossible to
comprehend existing. Since additive manufacturing is able to capture precise, delicate
details accurately, this means that it is able to create complex devices that could
revolutionise medicine as we know it.
However, while additive manufacturing (AM) holds significant promise for revolutionizing
the medical industry, it also comes with several disadvantages and challenges. One
disadvantage is the regulatory approval process. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods,
where materials and processes are well-established and understood, the unique properties
of 3D-printed medical devices and implants often necessitate thorough validation and
testing to ensure their safety and efficacy. Additionally, the limited range of materials
suitable for medical-grade additive manufacturing poses another challenge. While
advancements have been made in biocompatible materials, such as medical-grade metals
and polymers, the selection is still relatively restricted compared to the wide range of
materials available with traditional manufacturing methods. Furthermore, post-processing
requirements can be more complex and time-consuming with additive manufacturing.
Depending on the printing technology and material used, additional steps such as support
removal, surface finishing, and sterilization may be necessary, making the process more
time-consuming. Despite these challenges, ongoing research and development efforts
continue to address these issues, with the potential to unlock new opportunities for additive
manufacturing in the medical field [1].
Another industry in which additive manufacturing is utilised is the fashion industry. Within
this industry, additive manufacturing has a vast range of uses, one of which includes
creating products with maximum efficacy. An example of this is the use of additive
manufacturing to create the soles of specialised running shoes designed specifically for
athletes. The sole is created to achieve maximum flexibility and springiness while remaining
structured and comfortable. This means products can be created to help others without
being constricted to the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods. In a vastly
different sector of the fashion industry, additive manufacturing is used to create intricately
detailed high-end pieces worn on red carpets and runways. An example of this includes the
work of Iris van Herpen, who is known for nature inspired pieces that are complex and

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covered in fine, precise patterning that would be incredibly difficult to produce using
traditional manufacturing methods. However, with the use of additive manufacturing, these
pieces and many more can be created fairly easily, giving the fashion industry the potential
to advance beyond anything imaginable.
However, there are pitfalls to the use of additive manufacturing in the fashion industry, the
main one being the fact that additive manufacturing is only ever used for specialised
products since it is ineffective for mass production. The fact that these products are not
available to the general public means that no real profit can be made, making the use of
additive manufacturing non-cost effective. It can also be increasingly time consuming since
it is only ever used for complex, intricate designs. Textile-based additive manufacturing is
also incredibly limited in terms of materials that can be used, limiting its capabilities to
advance to a certain extent. Additionally, the use of additive manufacturing can have a huge
environmental impact. Although waste is significantly reduced when using additive
manufacturing, the majority of materials that can be used are derived from fossil fuels,
which can have a detrimental effect on the environment. Also, the fact that most of the high
fashion pieces created using additive manufacturing are disposed of after onlybone use
means that all the material used goes to waste. However, even with these obstacles,
additive manufacturing has the potential to revolutionise the fashion industry as we know it.
There are several ways in which additive manufacturing can improve our daily life, from
clothes to games to furniture. One of these includes the ability to personalise a new outfit
everyday based on your mood with nearly no limitations to what you can create. Additive
manufacturing could even be used to create new decor for your home, or to create
whatever vehicle you feel like at that moment, whether that is a helicopter or a cruise ship,
it can be created as long as it can be designed. Furthermore, additive manufacturing could
even be used to form food and drink as long as consumable material compatible with a
printer could be found. Overall, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using additive
manufacturing in our day-to-day lives.
In conclusion, 3D printing could be used to support the priorities of several high-tech
industries in many ways and to improve a wide variety of aspects of society as its technology
continues to advance and adapt, from healthcare to fashion to transportation to aerospace.
However, for this to happen, the consequences and pitfalls must be kept in mind so that the
technology can truly advance, opening up possibilities for things that could transform
society as we know it.

[1] - OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version)

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