Additive manufacturing was created in the 1980s as a tool for engineers to accelerate industrial product development, but the technology was not really in the spotlight until around 2010. At that point, the original 3D printing patents began to expire–opening the door to an industry that still shows no signs of slowing down. Recent research easily backs that up:

“The global 3D printing market size was valued at USD 13.84 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% from 2022 to 2030,” states Grand View Research.

“The aggressive research and development in 3D printing and the growing demand for prototyping applications from various industry verticals, particularly healthcare, automotive, and defense, are expected to fuel the growth of the market.”It’s easy to reel off the benefits of additive manufacturing–from the ability to create sophisticated geometries for applications like aerospace or medical to lightweighting designs for extremely strong metal designs. Outside of the utilitarian advantages, however, 3D printing has been the catalyst for transforming manufacturing, disrupting ‘the way it’s always been,’ while still celebrating the merits of traditional production.

Additive Manufacturing Supply Chain Improves Logistics

3D printing was already established in the mainstream by 2020, but few could have predicted how timely the recognition and use of 3D printing power would coincide with serious global supply chain challenges. The ability to manufacture unique products quickly was extremely helpful during the pandemic, and the Shapeways team had the privilege of 3D printing PPEs like face shields, as well as partnering with other designers to 3D print bespoke face masks.

As supply chain issues have only worsened, 3D printing continues to ease the problem, offering a quick solution for many manufacturers worried about delivering orders on time. On-demand 3D printing allows for rapid manufacturing of customized parts, as well as making it possible to set up production in local areas–rather than depending on products from much further away that are stuck in supply chain bottlenecks and delays.

On-Demand 3D Printing Redefines Inventory Management

Supply chains encompass a huge network. Traditionally, an exhaustive amount of work goes on behind the scenes before businesses deliver products into the hands of expectant customers–and even before that, raw materials must be created and processed too. On-demand 3D printing transforms how products are manufactured, how inventory is stored, and how business is transacted. 

Shapeways 3D prints highly customized designs with no machining or tooling, and little to no lead times. Customers in the midst of prototyping can also iterate or make changes as needed. With the ability to maintain 3D designs in a digital library and order parts from Shapeways as desired, progressive manufacturers can whittle down their quantity of inventory–and warehouse space–significantly. This is especially helpful in areas where warehouses are difficult to find, and in some cases where larger businesses with more resources are purchasing them before they are even built.

With on-demand 3D printing, parts are not over-produced and left to sit and gather dust. Improved efficiency also means that Shapeways customers get their products to market faster. Other great features include:

  • Security in uploading 3D models and preservation of the digital library.
  • Large 3D printed parts with reduced assemblies.
  • Strong, lightweight parts that are highly optimized for long-term use.
  • Less use of resources, materials, and energy.

Lead times are eliminated, accelerating the prototyping and manufacturing process–resulting in a more agile supply chain. At Shapeways, the process is as easy as uploading a 3D model (up to 20 a once). At that point, an instant quote is activated, along with automated printability analysis. Expedited shipping is available, whether customers need parts shipped to themselves or their own clients.

About Shapeways

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways additive manufacturing solutions, and get instant quotes here.