3D Printing - The 3D Opportunity

3D Printing is a powerful technology that some are describing as revolutionary. Whilst many industrial manufacturers have been slow to adopt the technology, the number of companies adapting their manufacturing process and supply chains is expected to increase as the materials that can be used in 3D printing expand and the speed of printing improves: there are already reports of US research labs creating 3D printers that work at speeds of 5-6 times that of existing commercial 3D printers. This industry guide from Ipsos Business Consulting looks at the potential developments in industrial manufacturing with a spotlight on China, India and the ASEAN countries.

Whilst the technology has still to be fully utilised, developers are already working on turning 4D printing – which will allow the printed product to change shape!

Whilst surveys show that many industrial manufacturers have been slow to adapt this new technology, the trend is changing. More and more companies will follow as the range of printable materials continues to expand beyond basic plastics and resins to more complex materials such as ceramics, glass, cement and alloys.

World economies and business will be witness to huge changes in the fundamentals of business over the coming decade. The big three issues – Big Data, Robotics and 3D Printing will undoubtedly change the way in which we do business and the way in which we identify, and use both skilled and unskilled labour: the ramifications of which could be enormous. Indeed, the European Parliament has already started looking at the need for a universal income for EU citizens as these new technologies begin to reach maturity and become main stream.

This latest industry report from Ipsos Business Consulting gives consideration to the likely impact on manufacturing and the supply chain. Specifically, the report looks at:

• Mass Production: How 3D printing will change manufacturing
• Impact on Supply Chains: Fundamental changes for global logistics and supply chain management
• The potential changes in the way that Third Party Logistics and Fourth Party Logistics conduct business
• 3D printing landscape in Southeast Asia
• 3D Printing industry in China
• 3D Printing industry in India

As with other young technologies, the 3D printing landscape is still being shaped by some key players within industry. But it is already beyond doubt that this technology will have an impact on all industry sectors and all of society.