3D printing, or additive manufacturing, which creates 3D solid objects from digital design, has been around since the 1980’s. Yet, adoption has been slow outside of a few industries. It’s been discussed as a manufacturing “technology of the future” for many years now. In our own blog postfrom just a few years ago we said:
3D Printing is Still Misunderstood
Adrian Keppler, CEO of industrial technology services player EOS, says that the adoption of 3D printing has been slow because business owners don’t understand it. It’s also hasn’t been taught. Universities are only just starting to turn their eye to 3D printing so there is a shortage of graduates that are familiar with the technology. (Source)
Lack of Confidence in Quality
There remains less confidence in 3D printed produced parts compared to those made with traditional processes, specifically in regards to parts that are critical to performance and safety. (Source) After cost and lack of expertise (41.3% and 42.1%), uncertainty of quality of the final product (33.1%) is the most commonly cited barrier to adopting 3D printing among manufacturers. (Source)
Aerospace is a Leader
The aerospace industry was an early adopter and uses 3D printing to improve functionality of components and manufacture non-structural parts for aircraft. It ranks the highest for both current and future 3D printed applications. (Source)
The US Needs to Catch Up
The percentage of industrial companies in the U.S. that have experience with 3D printing ranks behind Germany, the rest of Western Europe, and China and South Korea. This means that the United States still needs to work harder in order to catch up with these countries. (Source)
Perhaps part of the reason why 3D printing has only been slowly adopted, despite its obvious advantages, is that manufacturers simply haven’t changed their mindset. Manufacturers need to be more open to the technology in order for it to flourish.