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Perspectives on metal AM
Current perspectives on metal AM: Hype, volume manufacturing and the geographies of production Metal AM exists in a potentially confusing place between the world of 3D printing and its ‘maker’ movement, and Industry 4.0, with its drive towards new economic models. Here, Dr Jennifer Johns, Reader in International Business at the University of Bristol, UK, contextualises metal AM within broader narratives around technological change and economic development, Industry 4.0 and the Factory of the Future to give us a better understanding of what the outside world expects. Drawing on recent empirical research, different and often contradictory viewpoints are presented on the key issues facing the move to volume manufacturing and the geographies of production.
Recent years have seen consistent media and industry interest in Additive Manufacturing, fuelled by reports of high growth rates and publicity around exciting new case studies. The ‘hype’ surrounding AM has increased the external profile of the industry but has also resulted in some damaging consequences. One such consequence is the lack of realistic approaches to understanding the sector and the degree to which it can ever be as transformative as pundits would lead the general public to believe. This article does two things. Firstly, it contextualises metal AM within broader narratives around technological change and economic development, ‘Industry 4.0’ and the ‘Factory of the Future’, to give us a better understanding of what the outside world is expecting of the technology. Secondly, it pays close attention to two of the most significant areas of projected change – the volume and geographies of production – and draws on recent empirical research to present different, often contradictory viewpoints. This will offer insight into how well metal AM industry insiders feel it is able to meet external demands. The focus
Vol. 6 No. 1 © 2020 Inovar Communications Ltd
of this article is predominately on Laser/Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (L-/EB-PBF), as these are the most mature metal AM processes and currently offer the highest level of technological readiness. Other technologies, such as metal Binder Jetting, are highlighted where interviewees raised them as presenting a potential deviation from the development trajectories of L-/ EB-PBF. The article will conclude
with some reflections on the evolution of metal AM and on the possible outcomes of the dialogue between those inside the industry and those outside it. For many external to the metal AM sector, it is included under the non-specific umbrella of ‘3D printing’, and as such is more strongly associated with the ‘Maker Movement’ and ‘Makerspaces’ and their ubiquitous plastic chess sets and 3DBenchies.
Fig. 1 For many outside of metal AM, it is included within the wider field of 3D printing, itself more commonly associated in the public imagination with the hobbyist plastic 3D printing of toys such as the pictured ‘3DBenchy’
Metal Additive Manufacturing | Spring 2020
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