3. Layer lamination

In this type of process, the raw material is in the form of a plate a few millimeters to several centimeters thick, a sheet (A4 format, for example) or flexible film on a roll. The principle is to manufacture the part by assembling elements cut from these three types of substrate, each cut element constituting all or part of a layer of the part.

In the case of sheet processing, machine tools (milling, laser cutting, waterjet, wire, etc.) are generally used to cut and machine the elements. Layers are often positioned and assembled manually, although automated machines are also available (figure 3 ). Depending on the materials used and the purpose of the part, the layers are secured by...