3D printing is being adopted in a big way by businesses across the world: what are the key things to bear in mind when adopting the tchnology .
Long thought of as a bit of a gimmick and a threat to jobs, 3D printing is being adopted in a big way by businesses across the world, with $26.7 billion expected to be spent on the technology in 2019.
For companies with innovation at their core, it has revolutionised the speed of iterative design, allowing them to get products to market much quicker than before.
In the past few weeks alone, Rolls-Royce has announced plans to 3D print aerospace parts, as it continues to increase its investment in additive manufacturing. Meanwhile, global manufacturing services company Jabil has announced plans to establish a new 3D printing centre of excellence in the US at a cost or around US$42 million.
It’s clear that manufacturers are not doing things in half measures when it comes to 3D printing, having recognised the competitive edge it can give them. If you’re considering joining them by adopting the technology, here are four things you should bear in mind: