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 the main ones 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, the level of control is different. 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.