What advantages does 3D printing have for production?

3D printing eliminates the need to make and install expensive tools to produce parts. Its additive nature makes it a quick solution for small or medium volumes. It also supports distributed manufacturing, where parts can be easily printed from anywhere. For example, an airline could 3D print its own spare parts instead of having to have them shipped from the manufacturer.

From a tooling perspective, 3D printing offers the same flexibility, as it can produce jigs, fixtures, end-of-arm tools and other production aids in much less time and at a lower cost than traditional tooling. These tools can easily be ergonomically adjusted and optimized rather than being designed for the way they are manufactured. Strong thermoplastics instead of metal make them lighter and easier to use, increasing job efficiency and reducing cycle time.