Advanced manufacturing is transforming the way we design, make, and deliver products. From additive manufacturing to robotics and automation, the technologies are evolving rapidly. But behind every successful process lies a quiet force: material science.
We believe material science is not just part of the process. It drives the process forward. It defines performance, shapes sustainability, and determines whether innovation can scale beyond the lab.
Why material science is foundational
Materials are not passive components. They are active enablers of innovation. The strength of a component, the speed of a production line, the energy required to finish a part, and the recyclability of the end product are all shaped by the chemistry and structure of the materials used.
This is why material science plays such a critical role in advanced manufacturing. It allows us to manipulate properties at a fundamental level. Through controlled chemistry, we can influence how materials behave during and after processing. This includes viscosity, flow behaviour, drying and curing dynamics, shrinkage rates, and final surface finish.
In short, materials define the boundaries of what is possible in manufacturing. If we want to innovate, we must understand and re-engineer those boundaries from the molecular level up.
From binder to breakthrough: small changes, big impact
In binder jetting, for example, the binder is often overlooked. Yet it plays a central role in determining green part strength, print accuracy, surface resolution, and depowdering success. A well-designed binder improves yield, reduces post-processing effort, and creates more consistent results.
At Atomik AM, our team of material scientists and engineers develop binders that meet real manufacturing demands. We start by understanding how a binder must behave in your environment. Then we fine-tune its composition to deliver the right properties: stronger green parts, smoother processing, and better compatibility with a range of platforms.
Small changes in formulation can lead to significant performance gains on the shop floor.
Scaling up with confidence
Material science is also key to scalability. A formulation that works in the lab does not always translate to full-scale production. It must perform under variable conditions, across multiple builds, and over time.
We test our materials rigorously. This includes mechanical testing, process simulation, thermal analysis, and long-term stability studies. The goal is to ensure reliability and repeatability, no matter the machine or the batch size.
This confidence in scale also supports our customers’ growth. By reducing trial-and-error, we help them bring new products to market faster and with fewer risks.
Supporting sustainability through smart materials
Sustainability is more than a target. It must be designed into the process. The right materials can help reduce waste, streamline depowdering, eliminate unnecessary steps, and minimise energy usage.
Our binders are formulated not only for performance but also with sustainability in mind. By improving process efficiency, reducing material consumption, and enabling recycling or safer disposal, we help manufacturers meet their environmental goals while protecting margins.
Data-driven development, customer-led innovation
At Atomik AM, material science and data science go hand in hand. Every formulation is tested and refined based on evidence. We use real-world data from pilot trials and production runs to ensure that materials behave as expected in practice, not just on paper.
This approach also means we can respond quickly to customer needs. Whether you are scaling a new material, exploring new machines, or trying to improve your process, we use data to guide decisions and reduce guesswork.
Looking ahead
As the pace of innovation in manufacturing continues to accelerate, the importance of material science will only grow. New machines and processes will push the limits of what materials need to do, and the best results will come from those who can adapt fast, design smart, and test thoroughly.
At Atomik AM, we are proud to lead with science. We believe the materials of tomorrow are already within reach, they just need the right minds to shape them.
To learn more about how our team is using material science to push the boundaries of manufacturing, visit https://atomik-am.com
