Development of an Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) Selection Tool for Direct Manufacture of Products

Advancements in Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) technology and a broader knowledge base of process and material capabilities make ALM increasingly, a more valid manufacturing option. Small creative industry and industrial designers in the UK, as well as experienced engineers, can benefit from the freedom from design, manufacture and distribution constraints that ALM technology offers, yet they are unaware of the opportunities available. This paper present a method for selecting an ALM technology as a manufacturing method, based on a part specification, as an ALM selection tool. Selecting appropriate processes, materials and giving design for rapid manufacture advice are part of the recommendations offered from this ALM selection tool.