2. Identification of AF-specific control requirements
FA will not replace traditional technologies. It is a complementary technology designed for the production of small series of complex or customized parts. As a result, the aeronautics, aerospace and medical sectors will be mainly concerned, at least for the production of highly technical functional parts requiring precise controls. In the automotive sector, FA is mainly used for prototyping, but is gradually being used for tooling (injection molds) and the manufacture of spare parts not subject to high stresses. Depending on the field and the function of the part being manufactured, different levels of control are required. Some of these controls are identical, whatever the manufacturing principle, but others are specific to AF. Based on the main differences between AF and traditional manufacturing methods, the controls specific to AF are listed in Box 1.
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Identification of AF-specific control requirements
Controls required in AF
Bibliography
Events
Numerous seminars and technical days are held every year on the subject of additive manufacturing. Sessions dedicated to AF are included in major events such as the aerospace show and the industry show. However, the two main national trade shows dedicated entirely to AF are held annually in Lyon:
Directory
French manufacturers of FA machines for industry
This list is intended to be as exhaustive as possible. The author apologizes for any unintentional omissions.
FA was launched almost simultaneously in France (July 1984) and the United States (August 1984). However, it was in the USA that it first flourished, thanks to the creation of 3D Sytems by Charles W. Hull. Since then, a...
Standards and norms
For AF to be widely adopted, it is imperative to define a normative framework. Only standards will promote acceptance of AF in the industry.
National standardization groups (UNM 920 for France, ASTM F42 for the USA... and international groups, CEN/TC438 at European level and ISO/TC 261 at world level) are very active in the field of AF. They have managed to work well together, respecting a...
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