The Future of Additive Manufacturing
Looking back on my years in and around the Additive Manufacturing market, as a user, owner and especially 15 years leading development of AM solutions, I believe in the value of AM and totally see the need for it.
Still, I can't help wondering where this technology will go unless:
People start considering Additive Manufacturing to be exactly that: just another Manufacturing method, with its advantages, limitations and design guidelines. It is not magic, nor a do-it-all solution and certainly not a manufacturing method that will replace all the “traditional” ones.
The solutions on the market will comply with current engineering practices, specifically by allowing the use of common engineering materials. No more "plastic-like" and Aluminum** or all kind of superhero materials names... Using common engineering materials will allow mechanical engineers understand AM's benefits much faster.
