6 Trends in Additive Manufacturing Technology

The role of additive manufacturing (AM) in part production is growing, and at IMTS—The International Manufacturing Technology Show, its footprint is expanding to match. IMTS 2024 features a larger Additive Manufacturing Pavilion than ever before, with veteran suppliers alongside startups and newcomers at the front of the West Building. As you browse these exhibitors, as well as booths found elsewhere at the show, keep an eye out for these trends in AM:

1. Larger Build Volumes

More options for large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) are represented this year. While there’s no standard for what makes a printer “large,” expect to see expanded build volumes compared to years past and more systems making use of robots to extend their reach. Keep in mind that larger build volumes are useful not just for building larger parts but also for printing larger batches of smaller parts at once. 

2. New Options in Metals

From more affordable equipment to new processes to fresh takes on older technologies, there is more variety this year in additive machines for metal part production. Keep an eye out for directed energy deposition (DED) systems designed for the shop floor; multiple “flavors” of electron beam melting (EBM); and various types of sinter-based processes. Also, look beyond the AM Pavilion for hybrid machines and others. If you haven’t reevaluated metal 3D printing options recently, this is the time to do so.

3. Productivity Advances

New 3D printers and updates to existing systems are making processes faster and more productive. Look for features geared toward speed and efficiency, particularly amongst laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), fused filament fabrication (FFF) and stereolithography 3D printers.

4. The Other Parts of the AM Workflow

3D printing is the core step in additive manufacturing, but it is preceded by material selection, design and build preparation, and followed by postprocessing and finishing. Whether you have a specific process or printer in mind, take time to explore the other hardware and software you might need — including visiting other pavilions.

5. Services Available 

Successfully implementing 3D printing doesn’t necessarily mean owning the equipment internally. For companies not yet ready to commit to additive, or for those with AM needs extending beyond their own equipment, you’ll find a number of service providers scattered throughout the AM Pavilion ready to help with your next project. 

6. Smarter Additive Manufacturing

Software suppliers are improving 3D printing outcomes with tools for part design, build preparation, traceability, simulation and more. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, computer vision, sensors and more are making additive manufacturing more reliable, as well as more automated. The next phase of AM is optimized, intelligent and responsive — and you’ll find the tools enabling this at IMTS.