Utilization of Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) in Precision Oriented Mechanical Part Production

Abstract

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is an innovative technology that opens up new visions in any industrial field. This technology is growing rapidly, entering various industries every day. After over 30 years from the introduction of metal additive manufacturing into the industrial world, the today's demand is to make mechanical parts with high precision by metal additive manufacturing. Until now, methods like high precision grinding or micro-machining processes are used to make more precise dimensions in parts. Those methods have their own limits and deficiencies that could be eliminated with additive manufacturing. In this paper, attempts are made to compare conventional precise processes with metal additive manufacturing from different aspects. Surface finish in these two categories is discussed and some advice for improving the surface quality of metal additive manufacturing parts is proposed. Applicability and utilization of metal additive manufacturing as a precise metal fabrication method in various industries with examples are also discussed.