Additive manufacturing, AKA 3-D printing, is clearly becoming more viable in certain production situations. However, additive cannot replace conventional machining in all applications. In fact, the best way to harness the efficiencies of additive today may be to combine it with subtractive manufacturing. In this way, you gain the advantages of both technologies without being restricted to the limits of either method.

An animation video from Okuma America provides an example of how to combine the two technologies to optimize productivity in certain cases. In this scenario an Okuma MU-6300V 5-axis Vertical Machining Center provides the subtractive processes in concert with RPM Innovations additive equipment.

To learn more about these and other technologies for improving manufacturing productivity, contact your local Gosiger facility.