In simple words, electrification is the process of powering by electricity and, in many contexts, the introduction of such power by changing over from an earlier power source. As the world’s energy diet is changing, one witnesses an increasing adoption of electrification across industrial sectors. As they account for 53% of global consumption, electric motors are the number one application that is driving the adoption of electrification. Add to that the fact that AM can play a pivotal role in the development of electric motors, industrials are now seeking opportunities and solutions to improve cost, quality, reliability and performance, in both gravimetric and volumetric terms.
Here is the thing, given the novelty of the topic for manufacturers, it’s hard to assess Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) in specific projects, or specific product development. Indeed, a lot of questions need to be understood: what processes can be electrified? Or what are the different fields of activity where AM can serve electrification? What challenges should industrials be ready to face in their adoption of AM for electrification-related applications? Or can they truly stay competitive on the market by integrating AM in their solutions? If yes, how do we measure it?
These are just a couple of questions that the next Additive Talks session ambitions to address. Entitled, “How does Additive Manufacturing serve Electrification?”, the next panel is set to take place on March 15th, from 03.30 pm to 04.30 pm CET (9.30 am to 10.30 am New York time).