3D Printing's Impact on the Value Chain

Over the past several decades, 3D printing has expanded into markets in unique ways as innovators have embraced the technology. It wasn’t until the last few years, however, that its potential has been more broadly realized. During this awakening, there has been a rise in claims that the technology will disrupt traditional value chains. However, most businesses who utilize 3D printing have not yet witnessed changes due to a slow moving shift in corporate leaders’ understanding of the technology’s business value.

In this new era of 3D printing, we are driving towards a production revolution – an Industry 4.0 where smart, digital production ecosystems communicate, interpret, evaluate and augment behaviors to drive better manufacturing. Looking toward the future, 3D printing aids in the advancement of this vision by acting as a key manufacturing component.

In this white paper, discover the present impact of 3D printing on the value chain and the future of manufacturing, including:

The substantial progress already made toward Industry 4.0
The business benefits associated with 3D printing
How 3D printing shrinks the supply chain
Five ways to fully leverage 3D printing today
Customer stories and case studies

Download the White Paper

Industry 4.0 and the Impact of 3D Printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has been around now for several decades, expanding into new markets and industries in unique ways as innovators have embraced the technology. It wasn’t until the last few years, however, that its potential has been more broadly realized.

During this awakening, there has been a rise in claims from influencers and skeptics that the technology has and will continue to disrupt traditional value chains.

The impact of additive manufacturing on the product life cycle is near-undeniable, but businesses who utilize 3D printing have seen their traditional supply chain remain relatively unchanged due to a slow moving shift in corporate leaders’ understanding of the technology’s business value.

Before 3D printing can impact operations on a broader scale, there are challenges that must be addressed, such as equipment and material costs. When these cost considerations are evaluated alongside the benefits of 3D printing, more companies will realize how 3D printing can give their business an edge.

Download this white paper to learn more.

White Paper: 3D Printing's Impact on the Value Chain