Infographic: The Seven Families of Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Editor’s note: Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies updates this graphic on a yearly basis. The most recent can always be found in the Resources section of the company’s website. 

In the mainstream media, “3D printing” has become a shortcut way of describing all additive manufacturing technologies. It’s problematic, though, because it tends to conjure an image of just one type of 3D printing—the desktop style many people may have seen in their local library or child’s classroom. But AM is much more than plastic extrusion; there are so many technologies that can be considered “additive” that it can be difficult to keep them straight even if you’re familiar with them, let alone explain the differences to friends, colleagues or customers who aren’t.

This infographic produced by Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies delineates the distinct characteristics of each of the seven according to ASTM F2792 standards (“hybrid” technologies such as the company’s Ambit printhead that integrate AM with other processes might be considered an eighth category). While not meant to be comprehensive, this graphic could be a helpful aid for visitors, students or customers who need a fast overview of the technology differences.

Click here or visit Hybrid Manufacturing’s Resources page to download a printer-friendly PDF of this infographic.