Key factors for the industrial use of additive manufacturing in manufacturing companies

Additive manufacturing (AM) is particularly widespread as an aid in product development. 71 percent of manufacturing companies use AM for the production of prototypes and pilot series. Today, however, AM is no longer only suitable for the production of prototypes and pilot series, but is also becoming increasingly important for the production of end products made of metallic materials. The aim of this article is to identify key factors that most significantly influence the industrial use of AM in manufacturing companies. At the same time, this will create the basis for a systematic forward thinking of the future. © Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG.