Addressing the challenges for the industrial application of additive manufacturing: Towards a hybrid solution

Abstract

The interest of different industrial sectors for Additive Manufacturing (AM) is rapidly increasing, mainly due to the fact that complex parts can be manufactured without an increase in cost. However, there are limitations in AM in terms of speed, working volumes, and the need for post processing of the manufactured parts, which puts a barrier for the industrial application of AM. A most promising way for the industrialization of AM solutions, is their merging with Subtractive Manufacturing (SM) processes, taking into account industrial practices and needs. In this study, the roadmap for the industrial application of AM is paved by addressing the challenges hindering it, through a Hybrid AM solution framework, which is tailored to the needs of industries. A Hybrid AM cell-based solution is proposed and the development of a hybrid AM production line is also discussed, along with the aspects that have to be taken into consideration for the enhancement of the quality, flexibility and productivity towards the automated production of net parts of high complexity and low cost.