The Most Difficult Obstacles to Mainstream 3D Printing Implementation

The advantages of 3D printing are well-known: design freedom, component consolidation, no tooling demands, just-in-time inventory, and so on. 

The list of technological benefits open to today's engineer is infinite. You'd imagine that for all of these advantages, 3D printing would be as widespread as the internet by now, but that isn't the case. 

Companies are also working out how to integrate the technology into their product creation and production processes. 

Additive production only accounts for less than 4% of the total manufacturing sector. So, what are the roadblocks to mainstream implementation of additive manufacturing? 

We at Wirecorp Studios decided to find out what the top obstacles are for their business in using AM now and in the future, according to experienced users of 3D printing. 

The following queries are targeted. 

Any of the following problems do you think your business will face in the future as a result of using additive manufacturing? 

What of the following problems do you see your business face in the next three years as a result of using additive manufacturing? 

In our pick list, we included the most common issues we've heard over the years and around the industry, such as: 

The cost of the equipment 

Materials are in short supply. 

requirements for post-processing 

Costs of output 

a lack of additive manufacturing tools in-house 

A lack of information and/or training in the workforce/employees 

Reliability is a concern (accuracy from build to build) 

There are no standardized guidelines. 

There is a lack of recorded evidence of additive manufacturing's capability. 

Capabilities and software creation 

Timelines for development are longer. 

Recyclability is minimal. 

Litigation risk/legal implications 

Requires for data storage 

Various 

To address these obstacles, we think the industry needs to shift its focus from additive manufacturing's technological advantages to its overall market worth. Companies must look at their whole production approach and see if 3D printing can allow creativity and add value to overall operations, not just find applications and parts to create with the technology. Rather than searching for products that suit the technology, adapt the product and business model to the technology. Consider the following industry drivers: 

Low-volume, low-cost processing 

Customization at a low cost 

Environmental management has improved. 

Supply chains that are more efficient 

More machines, jigs, and fixtures increase manufacturing productivity. 

Availability of spare parts has been limited. 

Reduced raw material use thanks to shorter lead times.