3D manufacturing: From digital design to the production line

Absolutely—and in many ways, it is also a better manufacturing process than many traditional methods.

3D manufacturing will open up possibilities in small runs, democratize making in artisanal manufacturing businesses, and enable mass product customization and rapid prototyping that would be impossible using traditional manufacturing methods.

3D printing refers to the production of a geometry using 3D manufacturing software and an additive manufacturing device or 3D printer.

3D manufacturing has a further reach and refers to using digital manufacturing platforms throughout the entire process, from concepting and design to production of the physical object.

Manufacturing industries in which production time, cost, performance, or any combination are critically important have already widely adopted 3D manufacturing.

Aerospace and automotive use it to make parts and components lighter, better performing, or more sustainably produced.

Engineering, oil, gas, and mining exploration and machinery design use 3D manufacturing to make changes to processes or products inexpensively and quickly, without disruption.

Finally, industries that benefit from custom design, like fashion and medical devices, can reach more users more cost-effectively with 3D manufacturing because designers can change an object incrementally for countless iterations.