AM knowledge integration to foster innovation process: a methodological proposal.

Abstract

In a few years, Additive Manufacturing (AM) has become a promising technology and opened up new prospects for the product development. Nevertheless, design methods remain predominantly based on conventional manufacturing processes and AM capabilities need to be better mastered and integrated in the design team. The methodology presented in this article seek to foster the product innovation process by avoiding these weaknesses through a contribution of AM knowledge. This AM knowledge is tailored, i.e. delivered to the right user at the right time and in the right format, in order to be useful and usable during the creative stages of the design process.