Despite the hype around 3-D printing and additive manufacturing (AM), an industrial process with a similar concept has been slow to find major applications in real-world manufacturing.
According to McKinsey, rapid innovation is driving major improvements in the performance of AM technologies but large-scale adoption remains limited.
Some of the barriers cited by manufacturers include hardware and software incompatibilities, high cost of AM materials, and inadequate support services from equipment vendors.
However, most organizations with AM capabilities are now rethinking their business models and are ready to invest more in AM technologies.
This transformation is slowly taking shape and has the potential to go mainstream, thanks to faster machines, better materials, and smarter software that are coming to market.
Manufacturers eyeing a better future should improve their understanding of these technologies and adapt their skills and business processes to make AM a source of competitive advantage.
