Independent study finds that additive manufacturing can speed up digitalization in current manufacturing workflows, with 96% of respondents saying it helps get products to market faster.
With 3D printing making an impact on the digitalization of manufacturing and the disruption of industries, a new study by
In addition, it was discovered that 63% of European parts manufacturers who took part in the survey will invest from
The
'A digital transformation of manufacturing is underway,' said Guayente Sanmartin, Global Head & General Manager,
Sustainable impact
The report indicated that sustainability has an influence on the decision to digitalize manufacturing workflows, with 61% of respondents agreeing that it is a relevant factor driver behind digitalization. In addition, 91% noted that the ability to produce parts on demand was an important benefit, with a further 79% of those surveyed believing that additive manufacturing helps them deal with production challenges - such as the ability to adapt to fluctuating demand.
'The advanced capabilities of 3D printing are creating entirely new opportunities for disruption across industries and with a far more environmentally sustainable approach, which is a significant driver for manufacturers today,' added Sanmartin. '3D printing and its intrinsically flexible nature empowers a more circular economy.'
Digital transformation
The report reveals that additive manufacturing operates as a key opportunity in the digitalization of industrial manufacturing processes, with digitalization considered a necessity for the near entirety of manufacturing processes by a large majority of survey respondents (96%).
The use of additive manufacturing in industrial parts manufacturing was reported as key to producing more cost-effective components, as well as making better products at faster speeds.
Other findings revealed that 83% of survey respondents use additive manufacturing for the actual production of components and tools to make commercial products, with half of them (52%) already making complete finished products which is the final frontier of addictive manufacturing.
'3D printing is no longer exclusive to tools and small volumes of parts,' said
This report builds on the findings of
Highlights of
European industrial parts manufacturers agree on urgent need for increased digitalization
100% of respondents recognize the importance of increasingly digitalizing their production workflows.
70% of respondents said that the primary driver for digitalizing manufacturing workflows is the ability to produce parts on demand.
63% of respondents expect to spend more than
61% of respondents stated that sustainability is relevant or very relevant to increasingly digitalize their manufacturing workflows.
Industrial tooling disruption underway with additive manufacturing
Over 95% of respondents indicated that additive manufacturing is a relevant technology for digitalization in their current manufacturing workflows.
91% of respondents said that they use additive manufacturing to make industrial tools (including jigs, fixtures, and molds). These tools are used to produce more parts via non-additive processes. Other relevant types of parts include EOAT and automation system components.
52% of respondents use additive manufacturing for making complete finished products
Additive manufacturing improves part functionality and production flexibility
96% of respondents say that additive manufacturing helps them get a product to market faster.
91% of respondents indicated that the ability to produce parts on demand is a key benefit of 3D printing.
79% of respondents said that additive manufacturing helped them deal with production challenges related to COVID-19.
European industrial parts manufacturers are confident on the future growth of additive manufacturing
Over 95% of respondents expect the use of additive manufacturing to continue to grow.
83% of respondents are likely to invest in expanding their digital manufacturing capabilities in the next 12 months. For 65% of them, this investment will include additive manufacturing.
92% of respondents are likely to invest in expanding their digital manufacturing capabilities in the next five years. For 77% of them, this investment will include additive manufacturing.
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