Study on Cost of Metal Additive Manufacturing
A market study on the actual cost in metal AM.
Study description
In general, cost in production is a key success factor. This holds for Additive Manufacturing, a technology with unmatched potential compared to traditional manufacturing. However, metal AM has to compete with such conventional technologies. Only if the added value of the AM product or service outweighs the potential cost difference, it can become a successful business case. The prediction of cost becomes of high importance during the development phase of a product. To evaluate the business case and to decide on Make or Buy, there is a lack of knowledge on the real cost of metal AM.
AMPOWER will conduct the market study on actual costs in metal Additive Manufacturing to provide an overview on the status quo and answer several key questions. Firstly, how much does metal AM cost internally and externally today and in the future? How do cost models change with regards to increasing quantities vs. traditional technologies?
In order to answer these questions, the study analyzes the cost of 6 different metal AM technology principles: LB-PBF, EB-PBF, Powder Laser Deposition, Wire Arc Deposition, Binder Jetting and Metal FDM. During the study a detailed cost model for each technology will be developed that allows cost prediction. Additionally, Make vs Buy will be considered by collecting and evaluating current market prices from service suppliers.
Study results
AMPOWER will conduct the study beginning mid of 2020. The study will be finished by the first quarter of year 2021.
The results will include detailed models on cost in Excel spreadsheet. All relevant cost parameters are included and transparent. Furthermore, the model and its parameters can be tailored to in-house needs.