*4.1. Pilot Studies*

In the enterprises in which AM technologies were used, none of the proposed methods were indicated, i.e., FDM, Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM), Plastic Sheet Lamination (PSL), Selective Deposition Lamination (SDL), DLP, PolyJet, DMLS, SLS, SLA, EBM, MEM, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), ProJet, Multi Jet Modelling (MJM), LENS, EBAM, SLM (Table 1). However, it was emphasised that plasma-burning, hot-dip galvanising technologies and anti-corrosion coating were used. Unfortunately, pilot studies have shown that only traditional, additive manufacturing methods, such as welding, were used. Therefore, the main research is looking for possible answers in order to increase the use of modern, additive technologies in Polish enterprises; subsequently, it was then determined which of the defined dimensions of the Additive Manufacturing Technology Use (Table 1):

	- (1) Production process of functional prototypes and co-operating mechanisms—in two companies,
	- (2) (Production process of models used in strength tests, tests and modelling—in one company.
	- (1) Production process of injection moulds, foundry moulds and other elements requiring high mechanical properties—in four companies.

Only one of the companies surveyed indicated their willingness to adopt AM technology. The company identified the following factors that could potentially influence their decision:


In addition, it was emphasised that any technology implemented should be associated with the welding and bonding processes, indicating at the same time the limitations existing in the company, namely the outdated machine park and the need to update workstations.

Pilot studies showed that in the manufacturing companies surveyed—which use AM technologies—traditional and specific methods were used, such as welding, plasma-burning and the production of an anti-corrosion layer. The use of traditional additive methods probably has something to do with the lack of appropriate technological facilities, along with a low recognition/perception of modern methods of additive manufacturing.
