Additive manufacturing is a popular alternative to traditional plastic injection molding, metal casting and metal stamping, because it enables engineers to consolidate parts and produce components in complex shapes. The technology is used in a variety of industries, ranging from aerospace to medical devices. In recent years, it has gone from a low-volume prototyping tool to a high-volume process that can mass-produce small, nonstructural metal or plastic parts.
Electric vehicle manufacturers and suppliers are also intrigued by production-ready printed parts. In fact, automakers ranging from Ford and Volkswagen to startups such as Arash Motor Co. and Rivian are investing in additive manufacturing technology.