What Happened Recent insights from DirectIndustry e-Magazine highlight six critical factors shaping the future of 3D printing, with digital inventory and on-demand manufacturing emerging as pivotal trends. Central to this is the concept of the digital warehouse, a virtual inventory system that stores 3D printable designs instead of physical goods, enabling rapid production when needed. … Read more
What Happened In a notable move towards modernizing aircraft maintenance, an airline has chosen to 3D print 1,200 replacement parts for its Boeing 737 fleet, as reported by All3DP. This initiative marks a significant shift from traditional spare parts logistics to a digital inventory model, leveraging on-demand additive manufacturing to support the airline’s operational needs. … Read more
What Happened Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway company, recently celebrated a significant milestone: ten years of integrating 3D printing technologies into its operations, as reported by Railway PRO. Over the past decade, DB has leveraged additive manufacturing to address inventory challenges, streamline maintenance, and reduce downtime by producing critical parts on demand. Why It … Read more
What Happened Recent developments in Europe highlight a growing trend of reshoring manufacturing activities, strongly supported by advances in 3D printing technology. According to an insightful article from DirectIndustry e-Magazine, European manufacturers are increasingly leveraging 3D printing to bring production closer to home, enhancing agility and competitiveness. Why It Matters For years, European companies outsourced … Read more
What Happened Recent advances in 3D printing technology have accelerated the adoption of digital inventory models, enabling companies to store product designs digitally rather than physical goods. This shift allows for on-demand manufacturing, where parts and products can be printed as needed, reducing the need for large warehouses and complex logistics. Why It Matters The … Read more
What Happened At Formnext 2025, HP unveiled significant strides in additive manufacturing, showcasing an expanded portfolio, innovative new materials, and strengthened global collaborations. These advancements were highlighted in their official announcement (HP Drives Additive Manufacturing Adoption Through Portfolio Expansion, New Material Innovations and Global Collaborations at Formnext 2025). Why It Matters HP’s advancements are pivotal … Read more