Wohlers Associates helps organizations take advantage of technologies and strategies that enhance the rapid product development and manufacturing process.
Unless otherwise noted, posts are authored by Terry Wohlers.
AM has been in use for decades, and it continues to become more prominent in a range of industries. Innovators are developing new ways to make the technology faster, less expensive, and more effective. AM has seen major shifts since its beginnings and is still a dynamic, growing industry. For three decades, the Wohlers Report has conducted a running analysis of the growth and development of the industry. Wohlers Associates' History…
By Clare Scott A supply chain crisis has been affecting the world in recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. This has taken the form of long lead times, as well as stalling of production when parts needed for manufacturing fail. Sometimes these production delays can be in the range of months. Efficiency is critical for businesses to remain competitive, so these bottlenecks can be extremely damaging. There is a…
By Clare Scott Additive manufacturing is advancing quickly, but challenges and limitations still remain. The amount of progress that has been made, however—and is still continuing to be made—is undeniable. It’s likely that even the toughest challenges in AM will be overcome as the industry keeps pressing forward. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest limitations of AM, as well as some growing areas that illustrate the direction…
By Clare Scott 3D bioprinting is one of the most fascinating, and perhaps the most misunderstood, areas of 3D printing. Scientists are still years away from being able to print fully functional, implantable human organs. However, more types of functional human tissue can be 3D printed than many realize. Some types of tissue are extremely difficult to print, but researchers have found a possible solution: bioprint those tissues not on…
By Clare Scott While additive manufacturing is a great technology on its own, it’s important not to overlook how useful it is when complementing other manufacturing methods. Take casting, for example. Metal casting is a method of production that has been around for thousands of years, which attests to its effectiveness – but that doesn’t mean it has no room for improvement. Additive manufacturing has shown itself to be an…
By Clare Scott In August 2023, researchers at Texas A&M University announced that they would begin work on a project involving the 3D printing of medications for pediatric patients. The project is being funded by a grant of about $3 million from the National Institutes of Health. Why is this significant? Pediatric health care is quite different from adult health care. Because of frequent size and weight changes, children require…
By Clare Scott If you’ve been attuned to the additive manufacturing world, you’ve likely heard of Divergent Technologies. The California-based company is known for using AM to produce sports cars. As far back as 2015, Divergent unveiled its first concept car, known as the Blade. The car’s chassis was made using 3D-printed aluminum alloy, and it eventually evolved into the Czinger 21C, which is being manufactured in a small production…
By Clare Scott Although COVID-19 is still in existence, the world is slowly getting back to normal after the worst of the pandemic. Many lives were saved thanks to dedicated medical professionals – and additive manufacturing. AM may be the unsung hero of the pandemic, as it quickly came to the rescue when supplies were desperately needed. From face shields to respirators, AM was used to rapidly and inexpensively create…
By Clare Scott Dentistry has come a long way in the last several years – and it’s largely thanks to 3D printing. Dental 3D printing and “digital dentistry” have changed the way that dentists and orthodontists acquire implants and molds. With this technology, dentistry is faster, less expensive, and overall easier on patients. If you ever had braces or a retainer, for example, you may remember the messy, putty-like substance…
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ASTM unites with the Wohlers brand to build on its market influence and access to top AM industry decision-makers worldwide.
Under the leadership of the R&D team, the AM CoE partners plan and conduct coordinated R&D projects, prioritized annually and targeted to expedite...
Provide a comprehensive program that educates and trains the additive manufacturing workforce at all levels, while continually incorporating new advances...
