Trends in additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing continues to evolve. Here’s a look at how Wayne Davey, Global Head of Sales and Goto-Market for 3D Printing Solutions, HP Inc., sees the latest developments in this industry.

Q: Over the last few years, various commentators have discussed the need for designers to think differently when designing for additive manufacturing versus machining and injection molding. Where do you see the design thinking now, and where does it need to get to in order to take full advantage of AM?

Davey: The manufacturing industry is seeing the benefits of reframing the design process to better suit additive manufacturing. With a fresh perspective to product structure and design, manufacturers are able to create unique, cost-effective and, most importantly, commercially useful products. Engineers developing products which cannot be manufactured today is one element of 3D printing realizing its full potential. To take 3D printing to the next level, however, means looking towards mass scale production. For that, we need to pair 3D printing with other innovative technologies like AI and machine learning. Using data-driven insights, manufacturers can push the boundaries even further and create complex, high quality parts that are also sustainable.

A great example of this is HP’s partnership with Cobra Golf and Parmatech where a first of its kind, limited edition, 3D printed putter is being manufactured commercially using HP Metal Jet. The KING Supersport-35 putter features a thin exoskeleton braced by lattice beams—entirely different from traditional putters made with solid chunks of metal. Cobra Golf is also leveraging HP’s Multi Jet Fusion platform for three oversized models in the King 3D Printed Series – the GrandSport-35, the SuperNova and the Agera – producing a nylon lattice cartridge to optimize weight distribution for high moments of inertia and stability. And just last month, Cobra Golf announced that it is expanding its collection of KING Putters with new options for personalization, like different shapes and colors.

Cobra Golf and so many others are showing the world what can be achieved when 3D printing platforms and design tools are seamless. As the industry continues to leverage breakthroughs in automation, software, and data, customers will be better equipped to understand the entire end-to-end lifecycle, from supply chain to the useful life of a part, so that better parts can be printed with improved design.

Q: Are there new applications emerging as a result of additive’s capabilities? What are they?

Davey: The ability for increased customization has broken down the barriers of what is possible for new and emerging applications. Take healthcare for example. Through the evolving capabilities of AM, the health and wellness industry is poised to greatly benefit from the advanced design and manufacturing. According to HP’s Digital Manufacturing report, 55% of those surveyed predict the medical industry will see the most innovation. AM has the capabilities to deliver