Advantages
Disadvantages
- Almost any shape or geometric feature can be produced.
- Reduction in time and cost (could range 50 – 90%. Wohler)
- Errors and flaws can be detected at an early stage.
- RP/RM can be used in different industries and fields of life medicine, art and architecture, marketing..)
- Discussions with the customer can start at an early stage.
- Assemblies can be made directly in one go.
- Material waste is reduced.
- No tooling is necessary.
- The designers and the machinery can be in separate places.
Disadvantages
- The price of machinery and materials.
- The surface is usually rougher than machined surfaces.
- Some materials are brittle.
- The strength of RP-parts are weaker in z-direction than in other.