3D opportunity for production

Additive manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D printing, is defined as “a process of joining

materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies.” Leading manufacturers in aerospace and other industries face a daunting challenge. To remain competitive, they must constantly look for ways to deliver superior value to their customers. Cutting costs and competing on price have their place, but who wouldn’t prefer delivering superior value with better products and competing on revenue?

Truly innovative companies find a way to break the trade-off between better and cheaper and deliver both. Advocates for additive manufacturing view the technology as a strong potential contributor to companies’ quest for excellence. Deloitte’s analysis suggests that 3D printing can offer truly innovative capabilities for companies, allowing them to simultaneously lower costs as well as differentiate themselves in their markets.