CHAPTER TWOWhat Can and Can't 3D Printing Do?
The ever-expanding list of stories about new uses to which 3D printing has been put would make it seem that it can do pretty much everything. Without a doubt, 3D printing can produce things that were simply not achievable even a few years ago, making it very useful to supply chains in many ways. Its benefits are typically summarized in terms of the freedom it brings to design, the speed of setting up manufacturing, and the ability to make things where they are needed. The reality of 3D printing often astounds those who aren't familiar with the latest developments.
It is very easy to see only the positive—the continuous sequence of new capabilities and new uses—and it is just that optimistic view that leads to the overblown claims and assurances that many exponents of the technology make. Given how long 3D printing has been around, and the numerous positives that it brings, one is prompted to ask: Why isn't 3D printing already widespread? If it is so wonderful, why is it not being used to make everything that is manufactured today? For instance, 3D printing now represents about 1% of the US$ 120 billion global machine tool market—why is that figure not higher? To answer these questions, we must modulate the positive with the negative, separating reality from the hype.
Wonderful as it may be, 3D printing is centrally focused on making things using equipment, so naturally there are some needs that won't change: setting up the machines ...