What is a common application for AM in the aerospace industry?

Creating lightweight components is a common application for additive manufacturing (AM) in the aerospace industry due to the significant emphasis on weight reduction in aircraft design. AM allows for the fabrication of complex geometries and intricate designs that are not achievable through traditional manufacturing methods. This capability enables engineers to optimize structures by removing unnecessary material while maintaining strength and functionality, resulting in components that are lighter and can lead to improved fuel efficiency and overall performance of aircraft.

In contrast, producing sheet metal parts is typically more aligned with traditional manufacturing processes, such as stamping or machining, which are not the focus of additive manufacturing. While AM can be used to create certain engine components, the full manufacturing of engines is usually accomplished with a combination of traditional manufacturing techniques and AM for specific parts. Developing electronic systems usually involves processes related to circuit board manufacturing and electronic assembly, rather than traditional or additive manufacturing of mechanical components.