增材制造——下一代技术（英文版）_83页_1mb

Summary of "Additive Manufacturing – next generation (AMnx)" Study

Core Content

This study, conducted by Roland Berger, explores the future of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in the context of industrialization and digital transformation, focusing on the next generation of AM technologies and their potential impact on engineering, software, and manufacturing processes.

The study emphasizes that AM has matured into a viable series production technology, particularly in the aerospace and turbine industries, with the ability to produce complex parts using large-scale printing systems. It outlines the key innovations expected in the coming 5–15 years, including advancements in software, machine technologies, materials, and post-processing, which will significantly affect cost structures, market growth, and stock valuations.

Main Points

1. AM as a Mature Technology

• AM has evolved from a niche technology to a mature series production method.
• Industrialization efforts are underway, with large printing capacities being installed in regions like northern Germany.
• Technologies such as four-laser simultaneous printing are now standard, enabling the production of parts up to 800mm in size.
• Modular machine concepts are being developed for further automation.

2. Future of AM: AMnx

• The study, "Additive Manufacturing – next generation (AMnx)", looks into the 5–15 year horizon of AM.
• It highlights the importance of innovation across the entire AM process chain, including engineering, software, machine technologies, materials, and service.

3. Engineering and Software Evolution

• AM is expected to change traditional engineering processes, making them more similar to software design due to the integration of digital technologies.
• Agile project management methodologies, such as Scrum, are becoming more relevant in AM-driven projects.
• Scrum emphasizes iterative development, close client involvement, and continuous improvement, supported by rapid prototyping capabilities of AM.
• Topology optimization and bionic design are emerging as key tools for creating lightweight and efficient parts.
• Software tools like Altair OptiStruct and Autodesk are leading the way in AM-specific software development, with Autodesk aiming to offer an all-in-one solution through acquisitions.

4. Lattice Structures

• Lattice structures offer significant advantages in terms of weight reduction, thermal management, and material efficiency.
• They are often only possible with AM, enabling the creation of "porous" structures that mimic natural designs.
• These structures are highly beneficial in medical applications (e.g., osseointegration) but pose challenges in aerospace due to certification and maintenance requirements.

5. AM Software Platforms

• Integrated software platforms are becoming essential for managing the AM process end-to-end.
• Streamics and Additive Industries are developing such platforms, enabling remote factory management, data centralization, and process optimization.
• These platforms support both cloud and local data storage, and offer APIs for integration with other systems.

6. Materials Innovation

• Amorphous metals are gaining attention due to their unique properties such as high strength, elasticity, and corrosion resistance.
• AM can overcome traditional manufacturing limitations in producing amorphous metals, especially in terms of thickness and geometry.
• Metalysis has developed a new process using electrolysis to produce metal powders, offering cost-effective and clean technology solutions.
• This process is being tested in aerospace applications, such as tailored titanium alloy powders for AM.

7. Multi-Material Manufacturing

• Multi-material parts are becoming possible with next-generation PBF (powder bed fusion) technologies.
• Discrete material transitions involve switching materials during the printing process, while continuous transitions allow for seamless material blending during printing.
• Future AM systems may support full 3D multi-material printing, enabling locally tailored material properties for optimized performance.

Key Information

• AM is now a mature technology with applications in aerospace, energy, and medical industries.
• The integration of digital tools and agile methodologies is transforming traditional engineering.
• Innovations in AM software, such as topology optimization and bionic design, are driving more efficient and lightweight component development.
• Lattice structures are a promising area for further material and design optimization.
• Amorphous metals and new powder production methods like Metalysis are opening up new application areas and reducing costs.
• Multi-material manufacturing is on the rise, with potential for complex, performance-optimized parts.

Conclusion

The "AMnx" study underscores the transformative potential of Additive Manufacturing in the next decade, driven by technological, material, and software innovations. As AM becomes more integrated into traditional engineering workflows, it is poised to redefine product design, production, and market dynamics across multiple industries. Roland Berger emphasizes the need for companies to rethink their engineering processes and adopt new strategies to fully leverage the benefits of AM.