Additive Manufacturing Is Transforming Mobility Engineering, Driving the Factory of the Future

December 27, 2018

Courtney E. Howard

Additive manufacturing continues to advance and transform mobility engineering, as aerospace and automotive firms increasingly adopt and invest in 3D printing technologies, which are becoming more capable and cost-effective. Two new installments in the burgeoning SAE International Podcast Series cast a spotlight on additive manufacturing trends, technologies, applications, and achievements, as well as barriers to more widespread adoption of 3D printing , which is fueling innovation, greater efficiencies, and the future of mobility engineering.

Tune into the SAE International Podcast Series

Aerospace and automotive platform, system, and component makers are among the top users of additive manufacturing technologies, which largely are complementing rather than replacing existing manufacturing systems and methods. Driving the demand in mobility markets, additive manufacturing enables:

high-strength, lightweight construction;
design and fabrication flexibility;
less waste material and energy conservation;
high-performance construction processes and materials;
design-driven construction;
production of complex geometries/structures that are stable, strong, and lightweight; and
cost-effective, on-demand, low-volume production, as well as full-batch production.

The SAE International Podcast Series focuses on critical topics in mobility engineering and features a growing library of interviews with industry exports and scholars. Tune in to the first two episodes of the SAE International Podcast Series on Advanced Manufacturing, featuring subject-matter experts Adam Ricard of LAI International and Dr. John Hart of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Transforming Mobility Development with Additive Manufacturing Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. John Hart explores the advantages of adopting additive manufacturing into production environments and workflows. Dr. John Hart is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Director of the Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity, Director of the Center for Additive and Digital Advanced Production Technologies (ADAPT) at MIT. His research group, the Mechanosynthesis Group, aims to accelerate the science and technology of advanced manufacturing in areas including additive manufacturing, nanostructured materials, and the integration of computation and automation in process discovery. How Additive Manufacturing is Driving the Factory of the Future Additive Manufacturing Director Adam Ricard shares the positive impact of adopting additive manufacturing at LAI International, the world’s first NADCAP-accredited additive manufacturing supplier. Adam Rivard is Additive Manufacturing Engineer at LAI International, the world’s first NADCAP-accredited additive manufacturing supplier for aerospace., defense, industrial, and medical applications. He serves on the leadership team for the SAE International committee on Additive Manufacturing and is the Chairman of the Processes subcommittee. Prior to LAI Rivard was the Technology Manager for the Additive Manufacturing Group at Pratt & Whitney.

Working on aerospace systems and platforms? Wrestling with challenges? Using a novel tool or process, or need one? Have aerospace wisdom or other insights to share for the greater good of the industry? You're invited to get involved with SAE International -- contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and add your voice to the growing body of mobility engineering knowledge.

Courtney E. Howard is editorial director and content strategist at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group. Contact her by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..