An industry leader in 3-D printing has created a 100% reused powder. The process, allows selective laser sintering waste to be recovered so that it can be reused to print new parts. One of the main uses of this process will be prototype printing. The company has already undergone extensive beta testing, with one customer (a local non-profit) using the technology to help produce community shelters. As 3-D printing becomes more popular, the company believes manufacturers will be looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

A manufacturer of flow monitoring equipment for measuring the flow rates of fluids and gases was able to streamline their business processes, saving time and money, by experimenting with 3D printing technology. The company logged 1,000 hours on the 3D printer over the course of a year, printing everything from test fixtures and assembly fixtures to prototype parts, decreasing the load on their manufacturing output and increasing turnaround times for both functional parts and prototypes. 3D printing was also able to improve assembly efficiency, allowing the company to make fixtures and tools for its assembly team. In addition, it allowed the company to respond more quickly to clients' customization requests. Although the company did not find the 3D printer useful for high-volume production, they have found ways to use the technology to facilitate product development by proving concepts. In one case, the printer allowed the team to quickly test the viability of converting a metal component to plastic. The 3D printer has also saved the company money. A brass fixture that used to cost $96.50 to produce decreased to $37.51 per piece.

The ability to 3D print electrically conductive silicone, and/or silicone elastomers and epoxy thermosets in a single print. And silicone of different hardness can be combined in a single print.

A small manufacturer is producing 3D-printed parts that prove to withstand tension, heat, and other forces seen in real-world scenarios. The company is 3D printing parts that were previously produced using subtractive manufacturing methods and also using 3D printing to develop completely new solutions. "This technology is not just for prototyping. You can actually print parts and put them out in the field,” a company representative said.

A company is using 3D printing to manufacture a part that was previously made of stainless steel and cost about $100; it now costs only $1 to make out of carbon fiber. In addition to the cost benefits associated with 3D printing, the company has also seen a culture change by integrating new technology into its manufacturing process that positions the organization for gains on its journey to Industry 4.0. The 3D printer is placed near the engineering area to get employees curious about what else they can create using 3D printing, shifting the way they think about production and their business.