10 Reasons Why DfAM Matters in 3D Printing

At this point, if you are involved with additive manufacturing, you know just how important design is for the creation of a part, with modeling being the first step in any 3D printing process. Enter Design for Additive Manufacturing, or DfAM as it is more commonly known. Defined as “design for manufacturability” for additive manufacturing, or more simply as the design methods and tools that can optimize parts that are created using additive manufacturing, DfAM allows users to take advantage of the benefits of the design freedom that is present in 3D printing and is key to creating functional, high-performing parts. But, even with that knowledge, DfAM is sometimes ignored in the industry. But why is it important? What benefits can it bring to parts? We explore these questions in our new editorial format where we list 10 reasons why DfAM matters in 3D printing.

#1. Reduced 3D Printing Mistakes

Printing failures are the bane of any user of additive manufacturing technologies. Especially when it comes to highly industrial processes, such as LPBF or SLS which use lasers, or expensive materials like PEEK and PEKK, small mistakes that ruin the part can really set users back in terms of cost and time. This is where the value of DfAM becomes quickly obvious. Through design, it is possible not just to properly orient and support the model (both of which go a long way in ensuring properties such as isotropy and in ensuring there will be no warping), but also to allow users to choose the right infill and layer settings for a part. This in turn significantly reduces print failures.

Correction orientation is one of the considerations in DfAM (photo credits: Protolabs)

#2. Faster Printing

Speed is a core benefit of additive manufacturing as the technologies enable users to create parts at a fraction of the time that would be used with conventional manufacturing methods. However, that speed is not a given. By using DfAM, it is possible to optimize the design using tricks like lattice structures to keep the strength while minimizing the amount of material that needs to be used. It also will allow users to minimize support structures which, as will be discussed below, also cuts down on print time.