Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Technology Introduction and Business Implications

Additive manufacturing technologies have finally hit the mainstream. After 25 years of development as “rapid prototyping” techniques, the industry is transforming into a manufacturing-focused enterprise. Today, when you walk the trade show floors and attend industry conferences, there are more than just engineers and manufacturers walking around. You also bump shoulders with investment bankers, venture capitalists and do it yourself enthusiasts. A recent National Geographic video has gone viral on the internet, showing the potential for 3D printing of a crescent wrench. So many people have seen the video and forwarded its link via email that some recipients assumed it must be a viral hoax and snopes.com (the email hoaxtracking website) had to confirm the reality of “3D printing.” Within the past year the Economist, New York Times, Standard & Poors, Wired magazine and others have all written about 3D printing techniques.