3D printing beneficial, but industrywide use unlikely, says report
Three-dimensional (3D) printing will not account for a significant share of manufacturing sector activity for many years, despite significant momentum in corporate investment in industrial 3D printing and widespread optimism about future applications for the technology, says Moody’s Investors Service.
A report by the investment service provider states that 3D printing will eventually help boost companies’ profitability and market share in certain industries, but these developments are unlikely to occur in the next five years.
“For 3D printing, several factors weigh on the overall utility of the technology in high-volume production, including the high cost of printers and specialised technicians, compared with alternative technology; the frequent need for additional machining after printing; and the long time needed to print each [item],” says Moody’s VP Jonathan Siegel.
Moody’s explains that the case for replacing industrial manufacturing on a wider scale has not yet been proven. Where scale is needed for high-production runs, the economics are better suited to using traditional processes to keep marginal costs down.
Advantageous use of 3D printing technology includes rapid prototyping, the production of unique and customised items, and the manufacturing of parts with some structural complexity.
In certain manufacturing subsectors, the use of 3D printing technology will eventually result in credit-positive profitability and market share improvements.
The eyewear and footwear industries are among the manufacturers expected to have the most significant near-term growth prospects for using 3D printing technology.
Other industries expected to benefit from 3D printing technology include aerospace, medical devices, automotive and capital equipment.
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