Q: 3D printing and additive manufacturing have become buzz words in various industries, but what do they mean in the context of valves, and what materials are involved?

摘要

A: "Additive manufacturing" and "3D printing" have become a phenomenon in the engineering and manufacturing communities. The terminology may refer to one of a vast number of different manufacturing methods and machines, however. This can lead to confusion because some people picture small plastic models while others imagine metal lattice structures and still others visualize complex jet engine parts in exotic materials. In general, additive manufacturing refers to the concept of building a part - be it a valve component, jet engine nozzle or desk toy - in small increments until a near-net shape component is produced. It would take too much space to cover all additive manufacturing processes or go into much detail on any one in this column, but the table below summarizes the most common processes, the types of materials they typically use, what those processes are currently being used to produce, and how they might be used in the future-all within the context of the valve industry.