Essentium independent research reveals shift to Hybrid Additive Manufacturing is driving competitive advantage
- Manufacturing aids and tooling [74%]
- Complex and integrated prototyping [52%]
- Full production runs [44%]
The survey found that the most important drivers for a company’s adoption of AM were its ability to:
- Speed time to market [43%]
- Improve part performance [37%]
- Lower production costs [27%]
- Overcome supply chain issues [26%]
Fundamental changes have occurred in the past five years that have encouraged the adoption of 3D printing in hybrid manufacturing. Manufacturers gained expertise in 3D printing technology and processes [43%], 3D printing technology is much more reliable [37%], and company cultures have become more open to change and innovation [32%].
Said Blake Teipel, Ph.D., CEO of Essentium: “When it comes to additive manufacturing, the narrative has often focused on pitching additive against traditional manufacturing. This survey supports our vision of incorporating AM into the factory floor, enabling manufacturers of all sizes to compete in the global marketplace with next-gen technology. Hybrid represents the future of manufacturing, and to maintain competitive advantage, manufacturers need to jump in now to get ahead.”
