Exploring the use of additive manufacture for high value consumer products

Date
2012-06-22
Authors
Dean, Lionel T.
Pei, Eujin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN
DOI
Volume Title
Publisher
13th Conference on Rapid Design, Prototyping & Manufacturing (RDPM2012)
Peer reviewed
Yes
Abstract
High value consumer products have proved significant in the development of Additive Manufacturing (AM). Whilst the often whimsical outputs of this sector lack the economic importance of the aerospace industry or the humanitarian value of medical applications, they have arguably engaged the lay person in way that more technical fields have not. The consumer product market offers vast potential for AM. Added design value exploiting the free-form nature of the technology such as customisation and complexity can justify the use of a premium production process. To appeal to a market beyond the avant-garde buyer however, design investment should be matched by materials of quality and permanence. Metals AM processes, coupled with appropriate finishing, are offering materials indistinguishable from conventional manufacture. This paper will explore through case studies the increasing palette of materials and finishes available in high value goods from metal filled plastics through to sintered gold. Design factors relating to these processes will be discussed and the future needs of a developing market speculated upon.
Description
Keywords
additive manufacture, high value consumer products, materials, finishing
Citation
Dean, L. and Pei, E. (2012) Exploring the Use of Additive Manufacture for High Value Consumer Products. 13th Conference on Rapid Design, Prototyping & Manufacturing (RDPM2012) Lancaster University, UK, 22nd June 2012
Research Institute
Institute of Art and Design