As 3D printing continues to mature and improve as a technology, we are seeing a paradigm shift in production as the consumer market demands customizability. Additive manufacturing enables the unique characterization and customizability that traditional manufacturing technologies lack due to the time constraints and costs associated with production. Additionally, additive manufacturing allows for new solutions, through the realization of a complex design that uniquely solves an engineering design previously not accessible.

Automation Alley, the Industry 4.0 knowledge center, exists to help companies of all sizes navigate the digital transformation. In Chapter 2 of our 2022 Technology in Industry Report, we dive into the opportunities and challenges associated with 3D printing for advanced manufacturing. This Report is a collaboration between regional academic and industry leaders and provides a comprehensive look at the current state and future trends associated with additive manufacturing, case studies that demonstrate technology adoption and ROI, and action items designed to guide businesses to strategic success.

Through additive manufacturing, new boundaries will be pushed, and we will continue to move towards an integrated and customizable world with limitless production capabilities.