Additive Meets Subtractive

Additive manufacturing is the creation of objects by joining materials as opposed to subtractive manufacturing, which is the creation of objects by taking material away.

Mold manufacturing businesses are obviously very familair with subtractive methods, but today face production demands for which additive manufacturing may be a viable option.

What are your thoughts on or experiences with the various additive technologies (e.g. SLS, SLA, 3-D printing, etc.)?

MoldMaking Technology magazine has always covered  technologies and strategies related to additive manufacturing, which moldmakers need to know about to stay on top of trends affecting their operations, but starting in February we will be launching a quarterly supplement to MoldMaking Technology dedicated to content that examines the industrial applications of the various additive methods.

Conformal cooling is one such application you may be interested in and which we will examine in our February edition. Other coverage will include: processes and equipment, software, materials, prototyping, plastic part production, metal part production, tool and fixturing making and design for additive processes.

What do you want to learn more about? And, if you are a moldmaker who has considered and implemented some form of additive technology within your mold manufacturing operations connect with me and we can explore ways to showcase your innovative manufacturing process to potential customers.