December, 20209 3D printing is one of said pieces of equipment--and a powerful one at that. It is an excellent technology for constantly changing designs, digital manufacturing of inventories, and developing new market innovations. And the technology is still changing with each passing year. As this technology progresses through new material developments, improved reliability, and increased throughput, it will solidify its place in the manufacturing world.Untapped potential... todayThere is a growing sentiment among manufacturers that have purchased 3D printers under the false pretenses that it is a bullet proof manufacturing technology today. True, 3D printing is an extremely valuable technology and the vast majority of current users are only utilizing the visible iceberg of the technologies current capabilities. The other 90% of use cases for customers lie below the water's surface and can only be uncovered by making 3D printing an investment into your future companies growth strategy. 3D printing is already homologous with basic prototyping is already needs but given the recent advancements in materials, capabilities and repeatability there is so much more than basic prototyping that can be done with this technology. More and more often, I meet customers that are using 3D printing for advanced functional prototyping (life cycle testing, pilot product development, alpha/beta phase development).Companies should be bold enough to make 3D printing part of their future strategy and to actually stick to developing their internal capabilities. With this approach, they can reap the benefits of both short term efficiency gains while adequately preparing their work force and process for the longer-term 3D printing production vision. Without this two-pronged approach, companies may find themselves behind in the increasing competitive global manufacturing environment. COMPANIES SHOULD BE BOLD ENOUGH TO MAKE 3D PRINTING PART OF THEIR FUTURE STRATEGY AND TO ACTUALLY STICK TO DEVELOPING THEIR INTERNAL CAPABILITIES
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