Page 35 - 3D Metal Printing Fall 2017

Grimm’s Tales 3D
3T RPD Ltd
Metal AM Portfolio
Equipment
• 1 EOS M 400 • 6 EOS M 290 • 4 EOS M 280 • 1 EOS M 270
Materials
• Aluminum (AlSi10Mg)
• Cobalt chrome (Co28Cr6Mo) • Nickel alloy (In718)
• Maraging steel (1.2709)
• Stainless steel (316L, 15-5PH) • Titanium (Ti6Al4V, TiCP)
• Beta material development
you can combine conventional tech- niques and additive, then you start to really get the big benefits, Halliday stresses. He then concludes:
“Don't expect parts to be perfect out of the metal-AM machine. Always allow for post-processing activities.”
Commentary
Throughout my conversation with Ian, I nodded my head in agreement with his observations and insights. He presents an accurate assessment of where we are (early days) and what bar- riers lie before us. I even agree with his statement that metal AM for series pro- duction of aerospace components will become massive. The only question I have is, how many years will pass before we reach that level of use? I guess that is hard to predict because there will be a tipping point when we shift from mod- erate to massive use that will be fueled by the conservatives accepting metal AM. However, when will we reach that
problems and exploit new opportuni- ties). As more evidence comes forth, conservatives will be enlightened with- out having to invest their time and money to discover the truths. With this readily available information and evi- dence, the need to cajole the resistant and reign in the ‘all-in believers’ will evaporate. Likewise, the need to prove repeatable performance across all parameters will disappear. Instead, everyone will understand what must be controlled, what can be ignored, and what should be considered.
Like Ian, I am frustrated that after 28 years, we have only just begun. Howev- er, with a glass-half-full mentality, at least we’ve started, and are progressing to a bright AM future. 3DMP
Have a difference of opinion or insights that you would like to share? Contact Brad Kuvin (bkuvin@pma.org), publisher/editorial director, to schedule an interview.
critical mass?
The answer, I believe, lies in the
“slope of enlightenment,” as described in the Gartner Hype Cycle (a method for graphically representing the maturity and adoption of technologies and appli- cations, and understanding how they may potentially help solve real business
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FALL 2017 • 3D METAL PRINTING | 33