Overview of the WTEC Additive/Subtractive Manufacturing Study of European Research

摘要

As a follow-up to the 1996 JTEC/WTEC study of rapid prototyping research in Europe and Japan, the 2003 Additive/Subtractive Manufacturing study assessed the evolution of RP technologies and new developments in the area. The goal of this study was to gather information on the worldwide status and trends in additive/subtractive (A/S) manufacturing science and technology and disseminate it to government decision makers and the research community. This talk will present the primary observations, results, and conclusions of the study. Highlights include: The European Union has an organized effort to make advances in A/S manufacturing, the levels of activity and infrastructure are superior to the US, and European countries have targeted rapid manufacturing - the science and technology of production manufacture using A/S technologies. The talk also provides the context for subsequent presentations in the Session on European SFF Programs.