Lisävalmistus

Lisävalmistus, commonly known as additive manufacturing or 3D printing, refers to a group of technologies used to create three-dimensional objects from a digital design. Instead of removing material from a larger block, as in traditional subtractive manufacturing, lisävalmistus builds objects layer by layer. This process typically starts with a digital model, often created using CAD (computer-aided design) software. This digital file is then sliced into numerous thin horizontal layers by specialized software. A 3D printer then reads these layers and deposits, fuses, or solidifies material, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, or composite, to form each layer. As each layer is completed, it fuses to the layer below it, gradually building the final object.

The applications of lisävalmistus are vast and continue to expand. It is widely used in prototyping, allowing for rapid iteration and testing of designs. In manufacturing, it enables the creation of complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to produce with conventional methods, leading to lighter, stronger, and more efficient parts. Industries benefiting from lisävalmistus include aerospace, automotive, healthcare (for customized prosthetics and implants), and consumer goods. The ability to produce items on-demand and with minimal waste also contributes to its growing importance in supply chain management and decentralized manufacturing.