Along with the Metal X, Markforged have given us Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing. Markforged already made their name in carbon fibre reinforced 3D printing. Now they’ve also made a great advancement in metal printing.
What is ADAM
ADAM enables the creation of metal parts with a speed and accuracy. Behind all the fancy terms, ADAM is an industrial metal printing method. It looks deceptively like FDM at first glance. However, this is only because it uses metal powders encased in plastic binders. When the plastic is melted off, the metal powders can be arranged in exquisite shapes. The plastic dissolves and the metal is sintered into a design. The process works layer by layer as metal crystals pass through the bonds of the printed layers. This allows for an entire part to created seamlessly with immense structural durability.
Why it’s so Important
Companies are currently duking it out in an arms race to find the best 3D metal printing method. Markforged have added another item to the arsenal. Experts have long suspected that the next boom in additive manufacturing will be revolve around metal manufacturing. ADAM allows for geometric complexity in metal shapes with lowered costs.
Companies are already examining all of the various ways to apply ADAM. The Metal X printer can work with a wide range of metals. For example stainless steel, aluminium and titanium. Moreover, ADAM can be applied to many industries like aerospace, weapons manufacturing, tools and infrastructure. Eventually, more industries will take notice.
The level of complexity in the shapes is the biggest selling point. Compounded with the increased strength of the end product, this looks to be the next significant leap in the industrial landscape. Markforged have also said it is very cost-efficient, which is the big, beautiful word all companies dream about at night. It appears the ADAM or something similar will take the market by storm. For now, we’ll keep our ears to the ground for future developments.