Enabling Factors for Additive Manufacturing

In an interview with GE Capital, GE Global Research Center technology director Christine Furstoss was asked what factors will determine the speed of adoption of additive manufacturing into mass production applications. She described four.

Here is a paraphrase of her response. She says the enabling factors for additive manufacturing include:

1. Predictability. Manufacturers would benefit from software tools able to predict the outcomes of additive processes. GE is working with partners toward filling this gap.

2. Equipment. Mass production equipment has to not only achieve critical tolerances, but continue to hold them over time. GE is working with AM equipment suppliers by providing feedback on the machines’ performance with various materials over long periods of operation.

3. Materials. She anticipates a day when materials are not just adapted to additive manufacturing, but routinely developed specifically for additive processes.

4. Ecosystem. In addition to the makers and users of AM machines, there needs to be a more mature support system surrounding additive production. This includes companies supplying additive materials, as well as firms providing machine service and inspection services specifically related to AM.

Read the complete interview with Ms. Furstoss.