Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is rapidly becoming a major part of the manufacturing industry.

AM machines are becoming faster, with more sophisticated design tools, portfolios of materials and finishes to suit industrial applications.

In particular, AM’s ability to consider a component holistically and design it according to a specific application allows for the shortening of supply chains, rapid innovation and reduced time to market.

The fast-growing AM industry continues to strive towards the goal of full serial production and the delivery of high volumes of reliable product at a lower cost than traditional production.

The advancements in AM technology can be seen in the production of components, such as those used in the aerospace and medical industries. An example is the new design approach taken by The Boeing Company, whereby mechanical elements are individually managed by a single design engineer.

In the medical field, high tensile, flexible and biocompatible substrates are being used in surgical implants, dentistry, prosthetics and other applications.

Akhani 3D is said to be the largest commercial additive manufacturing bureau in Southern Africa. The company was created through a business venture by Rapid 3D and Kemteck and aims to meet the demands for turnkey AM production services for the manufacturing sector.

The company has recently added the EOS M290, used for the industrial 3D printing of metal parts. The unit is used for manufacturing direct metal laser sintering components from aluminium and steel in a range of grades.

In addition, it has been instrumental in the design of the Slakline enduro mountain bike, with the aim of reducing its weight while building frame strength and durability.

It has also built a solar-powered global positioning system unit used by Raptor Rescue to track and monitor birds of prey, in an attempt to save endangered vulture species.