21 June 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

• The first National Additive Manufacturing Symposium (NAMS) 2024 was inaugurated in New Delhi, emphasising India’s AM ecosystem’s growth.
• The event showcased the release of a key report and an indigenous AM machine, aiming to boost industrial efficiency and innovation.

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a transformative technology that builds objects layer by layer from digital 3D models. Here are key points about additive manufacturing:

• Layered Manufacturing: Objects are created by adding material layer upon layer, unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing methods that cut or shape material.
• Diverse Materials: AM can use a variety of materials including plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites, expanding its application range.
• Design Freedom: Enables complex geometries and intricate designs that are difficult or impossible with traditional methods.
• Rapid Prototyping: Accelerates product development cycles by allowing quick iteration and testing of designs.
• Customization: Facilitates mass customization where each item can be tailored to individual requirements without additional tooling costs.
• Reduced Waste: Minimises material wastage as AM processes are often more material-efficient than traditional manufacturing.
• Applications: Used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare (e.g., medical implants and prosthetics), fashion, architecture, and consumer goods.
• Challenges: Includes limitations in size, speed, material properties, and post-processing requirements for achieving desired surface finishes and mechanical properties.