Using Visualization Models to Speculate on New Platforms for Additive Manufacturing Expansion

As Additive Manufacturing (AM) continues to grow, what constitutes its definition is also fragmenting and becoming blurred. The blurring of definitions may lead to slow understanding of AM technology, particularly in developing nations. To address this problem, the study proposes an expanded definition of AM based on the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard AM definition. To examine the possible applicability of the expanded AM definition framework, the study considers conventional manufacturing processes and selected AM ‘outliers’ that are not traditionally classified as AM under the ASTM definition, yet exhibit specific similar attributes, to appraise the framework. The relationship between AM outliers are visualized to highlight possible future forms of additive manufacturing. In conclusion, the study argues that these visualization models may expand the definition of AM for new areas of applications, specifically in developing countries