What is the difference between 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing?

In addition to 3D printing, Additive Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping are also frequently discussed. What do these terms entail, and are there any differences? Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping, and 3D printing have at least one thing in common: they all utilize a 3D printer.

March 19, 2025

What is Rapid Prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is a collective term for various techniques to quickly produce physical prototypes. Rapid prototyping is based on virtual computer information, which is 'translated' into a real object. It is an ideal method for designers and artists to realize and reproduce their ideas with great accuracy. This way, they save time (fast delivery) and money.

What is Additive Manufacturing?

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the process of creating objects from 3D model data. These are built layer by layer, in contrast to conventional techniques.
Within Additive Manufacturing, we distinguish various printing techniques: FDM, laser sintering (SLS), and stereolithography. These techniques are used for applications in industries including manufacturing, retail, automotive, aerospace, and increasingly in the medical field.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is a crucial part of Additive Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping. The digital 'blueprint', consisting of multiple layers, is sent to the 3D printer to print an actual object. Various materials can be used for this, including nylon, carbon, rubber-likes, plaster, gold, stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum.

Functional use of 3D printing

It is primarily the criteria that are changing 3D printing and have brought us to the next phase. While the earlier wish was 'a model resembling the final product', we are now at a stage where quality, lead time, and material possibilities play a greater role. The model is used primarily functionally, and the 'fun factor' diminishes somewhat.

The difference between 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing?

"Additive Manufacturing describes the 3D printing process within a larger context. Within that framework, 3D printing plays a crucial role as a component."

3D printing as a mature technology

With this shift, the term Additive Manufacturing comes into play. 3D printing technology has matured and is well-suited for a production process with functional applications. This is now also being recognized by an increasing number of users. 3D printing is no longer an end in itself, but a means to properly structure the process. A good example of this is warehousing, where we work with companies to determine optimal inventory levels.