Prodways Launches Rapid Additive Forging: A New Frontier in Metal 3D Printing

Prodways Group has unveiled Rapid Additive Forging (RAF), a groundbreaking metal 3D‑printing technique that builds parts layer by layer in a cloud of inert gas. The process delivers finished blanks in a matter of hours—orders of magnitude faster than conventional casting or forging—while generating minimal material waste.

Currently RAF is used to create metal blanks that are subsequently finished by CNC machining. This hybrid workflow adds an extra step, but as the technology matures it could achieve higher detail levels, potentially rivaling laser sintering. For now, RAF is best suited for large‑scale parts where its speed and low waste are most advantageous.

The aerospace and automotive sectors stand to benefit most. Early titanium builds have shown promising results, and Prodways is already printing components up to 2 m in length. Such capability opens doors for high‑strength, low‑weight parts that were previously impractical to manufacture.

For RAF to reach its full potential, clear use cases must be defined and intelligent project workflows established. Hybrid processes that combine RAF with traditional machining or additive finishing will be essential. We anticipate further breakthroughs as the technology evolves.

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