EWI is pleased to offer a new service for Additive Manufacturing Process Parameter Development geared toward helping manufacturers formulate unique process parameter sets for their products. The service addresses the complex factors that go into determining the best processes for metal 3D printing applications in production.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a technology that has moved swiftly from a prototyping tool to a production process. Guidelines for production-level use, however, have not been standardized, and the parameters for different applications can be complicated. With seven distinct AM process categories, an expanding base of compatible materials, and a wide range of process inputs, there is no one-size-fits-all way to figure out the right process parameters for a part.

The EWI team uses a step-by-step approach to help select the optimal parameters for an AM application, and guides manufacturers though every step in the process. Steps include setting product requirements, understanding the trade-offs, selecting an AM process, modifying the design as necessary for that process, selecting and qualifying feedstock, selecting and validating parameters, and (if requested) helping identify printing resources.

"EWI is in a unique position to offer AM Process Parameter Development services," said John Conway, Sales Director. "Our expertise covers all seven ASTM F42 process categories and is backed by a complete set of AM equipment in our three labs. We also operate the Additive Manufacturing Consortium and are one of the founding partners of the new ASTM AM Center of Excellence."