Manufacturing companies around the world have faced an uphill battle over the past three years. And in all honesty, it does seem that the volatility and uncertainty that has affected global economies may persist in the coming year.

Additive manufacturing has been a valuable tool for manufacturers despite rising fuel and production costs. It helps reduce operational costs and mitigate losses caused by supply chain disruption. 3D printing enables companies to quickly and efficiently produce needed parts and components, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains that can be disrupted. Allowing for the production of custom parts on-demand, saving on inventory costs and reducing waste.

The 3D printing sector has consistently demonstrated sustainable growth, and it's exciting to see the continued expansion of the market. According to a report by Market and Market, the industrial 3D printing market, along with related sectors such as 3D printing materials and hardware, is expected to exceed $35 billion within the next three years. This growth is a testament to the increasing adoption and value of 3D printing technology across various industries.

1. Digital warehousing

Digital warehouses, also known as virtual inventories, are revolutionising the way companies store and manage their spare parts and components. When paired with 3D printing as the manufacturing system, this system allows companies to track their inventory and manufacture on demand, eliminating the need for physical warehouse space.

A key advantage of using digital warehouses and 3D printing is the ability to minimise lead times and shorten supply chains. By digitally tracking inventory in real-time and producing parts on-demand, companies can more easily identify when they need to restock and place orders more quickly. This can help reduce lead times and speed up the supply chain. Digital warehouses and 3D printing can also help companies identify more efficient and cost-effective suppliers, further reducing lead times, part obsolescence and supply chain costs.

As more companies adopt this digital inventory management and additive manufacturing approach, we can expect to see even greater benefits and efficiencies in the way companies store and manage their spare parts and components.

2. Streamlined Mass Customisation

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards the demand for customised and tailor-made products. Consumers are seeking unique experiences and are moving away from mass-produced items, wanting products that align with their preferences and individual needs or form. One of the key drivers of this trend is the increasing availability of information and options, which has empowered consumers to make more informed and personalised choices.

Additive manufacturing offers a solution for businesses looking to meet this demand for bespoke products. These technologies allow manufacturers to produce personalised products in lower volumes, rather than pursuing market trends or flooding the marketplace with similarly designed products. 

This flexibility also allows product designers and engineers to make subtle changes and updates to their designs based on market sentiment and stay relevant and innovative.

Furthermore, 3D printing enables companies to produce customised products more quickly and efficiently, reducing lead times and improving the overall customer experience. It also has the potential to reduce waste and lower production costs, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for businesses.

Overall, the combination of 3D printing and the demand for mass customisation presents a significant opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves and meet the changing needs of consumers. By leveraging these technologies, companies can stay ahead of the curve and meet the growing demand for personalised and unique products.

3. Recycled Materials

The focus on sustainability in recent years has led companies and industries to adopt green initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact. Energy-efficient technologies, waste-minimising production methods, and the avoidance of non-recyclable materials are all part of this push. 3D printing can also contribute to sustainability through the use of recycled materials.

Many of the filaments and plastics used in 3D printing are biodegradable and durable, helping to reduce plastic waste. In addition to recycled plastics, there are various types of reusable materials that can be utilised, such as Nylons. These materials allow for the creation of customised, tailored components and parts that meet the specific needs of clients while also promoting sustainability. 

Using recycled materials in additive manufacturing not only helps to reduce waste, but it can also lower production costs and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources. As 3D printing becomes more widespread as a means of increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impact, the use of recycled materials in additive manufacturing is likely to increase.

4. AI & 3D printing

Artificial intelligence (AI) became increasingly prevalent in 2022, with huge strides forward from companies such as OpenAI, with their chatGPT. This advancement of machine learning algorithms is expected to affect every industry, including manufacturing. 

When combined, AI and 3D printing have the potential to revolutionise the way products are designed, manufactured, and used. AI can be used to optimise and streamline the design process for 3D printed objects, improving efficiency and reducing the time and resources required. For example, AI can analyse a product's design and suggest changes or improvements based on factors such as strength, weight, and cost. AI can also be used to predict and prevent potential manufacturing issues, ensuring that 3D printed products are of high quality.

In addition to improving the design and manufacturing processes, AI and 3D printing can also be used to create customised products that are tailored to individual needs. For example, AI can analyse a customer's unique requirements and use 3D printing to produce a product that meets those specific needs. This level of customisation is not possible with traditional manufacturing methods, and it has the potential to greatly improve the customer experience. We expect to see many companies including AI tools into their product workflow over the next 12 months.

5. Advanced Materials

In 2023, we will see advances in 3D printing materials as a result of collaboration between research and development, material science, technology, and production. This collaboration will open up new possibilities for innovation in the 3D printing industry and lead to an increase in demand for hybrid materials in industries such as tech and aerospace.

Manufacturers will have access to raw materials for 3D printing that are not only innovative but also suitable for specific or standalone applications. These materials will be able to meet the growing demand for unique and creative products.

One example of an advanced 3D printing material is a type of TPU, a polymer that can be printed at different temperatures to activate a foaming agent that changes its hardness and density. This allows manufacturers to customise the physical properties of the TPU to meet the specific needs of their clients. For instance, a product may require a soft and flexible TPU for one application and a hard and rigid TPU for another. By changing the temperature at which the TPU is printed, manufacturers can alter its shore hardness to meet these different requirements.

The use of advanced 3D printing materials like TPU allows manufacturers to create customised and high-quality products that meet the specific needs of their clients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the advancements in additive manufacturing, digital warehousing, and mass customisation in 3D printing will continue to shape the industry in 2023. 

These technologies offer a range of benefits for companies looking to improve their inventory management, including reduced part obsolescence, lower costs, minimised lead times, and shortened supply chains. In addition, 3D printing allows manufacturers to produce customised and personalised products more efficiently and sustainably, meeting the increasing demand for unique and tailored products. 

As the 3D printing market continues to grow and expand, we can expect to see even greater benefits and efficiencies in the way companies design, manufacture, and store their products.

If you're looking to incorporate additive manufacturing into your business in 2023, be sure to check out our services and how we can help you make the most of this exciting technology.