Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1533904
The Growing Role of Additive Manufacturing Smart Automation by Josh Casper, Horizon Sales 58 SMT007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2025 (Editor's note: Josh Casper is a new columnist for SMT007 Magazine. His columns will focus on the unique challenges and trends in the electron- ics industry, specifically around automation.) As additive manufacturing (AM) matures and reaches new business sectors through- out the manufacturing world, electronics manufacturing is beginning to reap the bene- fits of this ultra-flexible technology. AM (also known as 3D printing) capabilities have now expanded to support a wide range of applica- tions in the electronics industry. e devel- opment of materials in additive manufac- turing is meeting the demands of high-tem- perature environments and ESD protection necessary to become a viable solution in electronics manufacturing. From the production of essential sup- port items such as wave solder pallets and JEDEC trays to the creation of highly cus- tomized hand-soldering fixtures and support