3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is ready for a transition into the mainstream manufacturing process, according to independent research conducted by Essentium.
3D printing
This news comes as the first of a series of independent surveys performed by the US-based company, showing that the use of 3D printing processes has doubled over the past year for over 70% of manufacturing companies.
The survey covered 169 leading manufacturers from across the world who were questioned about their current experiences, challenges and trends with 3D printing for production and manufacturing.
Respondants ranged from all roles across company hierarchies and included small, medium and large-sized businesses.
The data hints that the number of companies who have shifted to additive manufacturing in the creation of hundreds of thousands of parts has doubled from 7% to 14% in 2020, showing the sector is evolving from the prototype phase.
The data suggests that 3D printing could save the manufacturing industry billions of dollars in production costs annually once the sector matures, according to 90% of respondants, while 84% of respondants believe that investing in additive manufacturing technology could give companies a market advantage within the next five years.
87% of the companies surveyed believe that 3D printing technology could help drive local manufacturing initiatives, but admit that mateiral innovations will be required to overcome pitfalls, such as material costs and unreliable sourcing.
The recent pandemic has shown how resilient the industry is in regards to supply lines and its applications in times of need.
Essentium themselves spearheaded a state-wide initiative for the 3D printing of masks and other PPE during the heights of the pandemic earlier this year which proved succesful even with border closures affecting supply chains.
More recently they have shifted production to manufacturing parts for the US Air Force to "drive the development and deployment of advanced additive manufacturing solutions."
According to the report, as many as 57% of manufacturers ramped up 3D printing processes to create parts to deal with affected supply chains.
3D printing investment plans also appear to have changed at many companies. 24% of respondents have gone all-in with 25% of manufacturers ramping up production to meet supply chain needs and 30% of respondents are evaluating industrial-scale 3D printing to fill supply chain gaps.
Blake Tiepel, CEO and co-founder of Essentium, said: “The results of this survey show we’re at the beginning of radical change. Additive is ready for prime time, and manufacturers are already moving into actual manufacturing to save manufacturing costs while building stronger supply chains that can withstand the worst type of unforeseen events – such as the pandemic.”
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