7 Ways 3D Printing Is Already Disrupting Global Manufacturing

The article by Rick Smith is about 3D production of functional end-use parts which is now one
of the fastest growing areas in the manufacturing sector.
His article refers to seven ways with which 3D production has changed the business today:
1.True Rapid Prototyping: With new changes and breakthroughs in automation that has
coupled with the global distribution companies, prototyping in 3D leads to same-day production
of prototyping (physical replicas of new part or product designs) and shipping which used to take
a week or more to deliver a single piece in previous years. New changes have dramatically
collapsed design cycles. Products are getting to market faster, and companies are saving
significant time and money.

Cloud DDM (Direct Digital Manufacturing), has opened new facility in partnership with UPS
for 3D rapid prototyping.

2. Rapid Design Iteration (A/B testing of physical products): 3D printing now allows for true
market testing and rapid design iteration. It is debated that with the result of advances in 3D
printing production, there will be an eventual blurring of the lines between prototype and
product. Smaller companies will reap great benefit from this technology. The sort of A/B testing
that was done in the digital world is now actually possible in the physical world too.

Ford is 3D printing new molds to test proto type engine.

3. Low volume production: With 3D printing, there are no set-up costs for producing minimum
molds. Today, for production that runs of less than 1,000 items, most companies consider 3D
production as a cost effective alternative.
Voodo Manufacturing produces up to 10,000 plastic parts faster and more affordably than ever
before with 3D printing.

4. Mass Customization: 3D printing can produce large quantities of an item with each one being
customized. Most of the companies these days are exploring the ways to introduce product
customization to better serve there customers and increase profits.

Customized 3D Printed Implants from ConforMis make Knee Replacements Easy by scanning
actual knee to make a perfect replica for knee replacement prior to surgery.

5. Virtual Inventory: With 3D printing, manufacturing companies do not need to maintain

inventory to meet demand for 10 years or more. Companies incur huge cost to hold inventories.
With 3D printing, the production can be done when companies need the product without the need
to hold the inventory. Virtual inventory will improve the efficiency of every business that uses
anything manufactured.

6. The Long Tail of Parts: With 3D production, instead of discarding a manufactured product,
its parts can be replaced by keeping its digital design files. The part to be replaced can be printed
in 3D and product can be used again without discarding it.

7. Product Innovation Renaissance: Companies are already replacing traditionally-

manufactured items with 3D printing production by taking advantage of its superior design
capacities and flexible production schedule.
GE Global Research, GE Aviation and GE Additive, used a 3D printing technology called binder
jet machine that can print at least 10 times faster than laser-based methods and also can
produce larger parts in very less time.

In brief, it is undoubtable that 3D printing reduces time to get the first version of a product and
emancipate many constraints that are not possible with traditional production methods. Having
done this, it not only reduces manufacturing time but lowers its cost by giving customized
product. With its easily accessible technology, 3D production is sure to change the face of
future’s product manufacturing.