3Discovered, a distributed design and manufacturing platform for 3D printed parts, is introducing its “Parts Forever” service for manufacturers and buyers of “long tail” parts and products.

The company works with asset managers, equipment manufacturers, and end users to source hard-to-get parts for machines and equipment.

“One of the many advantages of 3D printing is that parts can be reverse engineered, re-engineered and improved upon, and then quickly fabricated when and where they’re needed,” states Peer Munck, 3Discovered’s CEO. “This makes it possible to extend the useful life of aging machines and equipment without hoarding used parts or costly safety stock.”

3Discovered’s platform seamlessly combines proprietary software with a growing network of 3D printing fabricators (service bureaus), designers, and engineers. By incorporating the platform in their supply chains, companies can instantly avail themselves of all the benefits of 3D printing without investing in R&D or expensive new equipment. The platform hosts a “virtual digital inventory” of parts for each of its users who then place orders as needed. Each order automatically generates competitive bids from multiple fabricators on the network. The company’s network includes fabricators in US and Europe, and spans virtually all 3D printing technologies and materials.

Through its network of engineers and designers, 3Discovered also offers expertise on the economics of 3D printing, reverse engineering and design, and 3D print preparation of designs. The company’s platform is also connected to third party validation services offering suitability and verification services of 3D printable designs.