Additive technology and design process: an innovative tool to drive and assist product development

The object of study regards the analysis of existing relationship between additive technologies and design process.Additive technologies are defined by a range of technologies that are capable of translating virtual solid model data(CAD) into physical models in a quick and easy process. The data are broken down into a series of layer of a finite thickness. These layers are added together to create the physical product.The great widespread of additive technologies, FabLab and 3D printing is leading to talk of third industrial revolution, so the aim of the work is to understand what is the true role of these technologies inside the product development process.Very often the additive technologies are used when the design process is already closed, just to show and present the final product to market and before to start with the definitive manufacturing process. This kind of approach leads to have a partial utilization of the additive technologies potentialities, considering the possibility to work with materials of a different nature and structural behavior, the great freedom of shape and aesthetic, the opportunity to verify ergonomic and functional aspects.Therefore the additive technologies can be used, during the design process, as a tool to drive and assist the product development