Additive Manufacturing: The Next Generation Manufacturing Technology

Author photo: Dick Slansky
ByDick Slansky
Category:
ARC Report Abstract

Executive Overview

Additive manufacturing (AM), often referred to as 3D printing, emerged several decades ago.  But only recently has the technology experienced rapid growth, expanding into many applications for a range of industries and businesses.  It has been interesting to follow the progression and scope of the technology as it has moved from small printing systems, producing small parts from papers and plastic materials, to larger printing platforms that can produce complex metallic-based parts.  It is quite literally a case of additive manufacturing moving “outside the box” (in this case, the confines of the small printer) to the large hybrid machine tools that employ both additive and subtractive processes to manufacture parts.

The rising popularity of AM is driving innovation in product design, product development, and supply chain management.  AM enables business to provide products and services that would otherwise be infeasible or impossible.  This provides adopters with a considerable competitive advantage where current drawbacks of AM, such as long cycle time, aren’t prohibitive.  With the rapid advances in metal printing and hybrid tool technology, we’re seeing a growing number of viable applications.  At some point in the not-too-distant future, businesses that don’t employ AM in some fashion will be at a distinct competitive disadvantage. 

Determining the appropriate time to invest in AM can be complicated and requires a thorough understanding of both the present state of the technology and the business changes it will effect.  Companies that maintain an AM initiative are more likely to adopt at the right time, reaping significant benefits by staying ahead of the curve.

AM is not only penetrating manufacturing across multiple industries, but promises to impact supply chains and parts inventory systems in industries like automotive, aerospace & defense, oil & gas, and industrial equipment.  

Additive Manufacturing Report Table of Contents

  • Executive Overview
  • Additive Manufacturing Moves into Mainstream Manufacturing
  • Additive Manufacturing Reaches into Multiple Industries
  • Recommendations

     

     

ARC Advisory Group clients can view the complete report at ARC Client Portal on Office 365 or Box.com

If you would like to buy this report or obtain information about how to become a client, please Contact Us 

 

Keywords: Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, Subtractive Process, Metal Printing, Hybrid Tool Technology, ARC Advisory Group

 

Engage with ARC Advisory Group

Representative End User Clients
Representative Automation Clients
Representative Software Clients