{"id":43289,"date":"2023-01-12T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-12T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/?p=43289"},"modified":"2022-12-21T15:19:12","modified_gmt":"2022-12-21T20:19:12","slug":"3d-printing-and-additive-manufacturing-differences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/3d-printing-and-additive-manufacturing-differences","title":{"rendered":"The Differences Between Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

3D printing<\/a> and additive manufacturing<\/a> are designations often used interchangeably. The terminology has grown more nuanced, however, as the original intent behind 3D printing in rapid prototyping <\/a>has given way to manufacturing of high-performance, industrial parts. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, has also expanded to unexpected proportions since its inception in the 1980s, evolving into a global industry expected to reach $76.17 billion<\/a> by 2030. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D printing<\/em> is named for the ability to create a 3D product from a CAD file. The 3D printer deposits sequential layers of material onto a print bed, building the desired structure. Shapeways offers numerous technologies, with over 90 materials<\/a> and finishes to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additive<\/em> manufacturing is a more descriptive term standing in contrast to subtractive<\/em> manufacturing  where materials are removed, resulting in the desired structure. While additive and traditional manufacturing offer advantages, Shapeways remains agnostic in terms of technology and materials, recommending the most suitable resources for excellence in product development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, is it additive manufacturing or 3D printing? Technically, the answer could be either as the processes are indeed the same. There is little denying, however, that the paths have diverged for these terms, exemplified at Shapeways at the Shapeways Marketplace<\/a>, showcasing innovative 3D printed products globally, and another industrial division, promoting AM processes for manufacturers of all sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D Printing at the Shapeways Marketplace<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shapeways launched the Marketplace in 2008. Providing a business platform for thousands of designers, the Marketplace is open to shoppers and 3D print enthusiasts around the world. The choices are vast, with continued growth as shopowners continue to add 3D printed products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access to diverse 3D printing materials plays a large role in innovative success and product quality at the Shapeways Marketplace, whether designers are making vintage or miniature automotive parts or crafting fine jewelry to be cast in precious metal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shapeways offers Industrial Production for Manufacturers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Additive manufacturing is typically associated with industrial production and large-volume runs. This is common with technology like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)<\/a>, where Shapeways proprietary software for nesting orients 3D models, interlocking, rotating, sorting, and condensing them as tightly as possible for each build. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shapeways customers may begin prototyping and testing products via 3D printing, moving forward to Injection Molding<\/a> for mass production of parts. Others may go on to use additive manufacturing during product development and <\/em>production of end-use parts. This is common in applications like the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n