How 3D printing is transforming the manufacturing industry

3D printing has transcended its initial use in prototyping to revolutionize full-scale manufacturing and the production of high-quality finished products. Initially developed for aerospace prototyping, 3D printing now significantly impacts various industries, including healthcare and cosmetics. This technology enhances the flexibility of manufacturing sites and lines, making supply chains more agile.

Traditional manufacturing relies on product-specific tooling, necessitating retooling for product modifications or variations. In contrast, 3D printing eliminates the need for tooling. A single 3D printing system can produce a wide range of products using various materials, thereby increasing production line flexibility and speeding up time to market. Supply chains that incorporate 3D printing become more agile, resilient to unexpected disruptions, and better equipped to respond to market demand changes.

Processes like CNC milling or injection molding in traditional manufacturing require substantial upfront tooling costs. High minimum order quantities are typically necessary to spread these costs over all units produced in a run.

3D printing eliminates tooling costs for manufacturing new and modified products and designs. By removing these costs and increasing flexibility, 3D printing reduces overall costs and risks, transforming the business model for manufacturers.