3D Printing

End of the Line

3D Printing: When Does This Technology Deliver on Its Promise?

Glynn Fletcher on what it will take to kick additive manufacturing into high gear.

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Very few technologies in manufacturing have ever offered as much as 3D printing. Additive manufacturing is revolutionary in the way that computer numerical controlled machining was 50 years ago, and for some high-value industries, it’s a standard production tool.

But it’s been around for over 25 years in usable forms, and in the high-volume mass production consumer goods that we all use, additive manufacturing has yet to emerge as a production process.


Jim Anderson spoke with industry leader Glynn Fletcher at the recent RAPID/TCT additive show in the Los Angeles about the challenge and future of additive as a production technology.

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Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.