WHETHER EMERGING FROM HOBBYIST-LEVEL INTEREST or supported by corporate mandates, AM (additive manufacturing) is becoming more mainstream for prototyping, tooling and production. But a surprisingly large percentage of design engineers (or their management) still don't make full use of its potential-and here's why. New users need to understand that just 3D printing the same old part misses out on the potential for lightweighting, simplifying or eliminating assemblies and taking advantage of customized materials. All aspects of the build process are relevant, too. Developing the mindset to create not only one-for-one replacements but optimized versions takes both motivation and the savvy to seek out learning opportunities.
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