3D Printing is a manufacturing process used to create a three-dimensional object by producing successive layers of material under computer control from a digital 3D model.
This still-developing technology has endless applications that are still being explored in sectors such as the auto industry, health care, manufacturing, construction, robotics, education, and modern art. Many have argued that 3D Printing technology and the greater category of replicator technology is ushering in a fourth industrial revolution.
We asked our panel of supply chain experts how this new technology is already revolutionizing the way products are manufactured, moved and sourced, and what they see for the future of this fascinating industry.
Moderator: Audrey Ross (@tresAudrey), Logistics & Customs Specialist at Orchard International Inc., based out of Toronto, ON.
Panelists:
Dr. Steve Brady (@SCMProfessor), CEO and Founder of Supply Chain Innovations Today, based out of Williamsport, PA.
Sarah Barnes, CITP|FIBP (@ICECORPlog), Director of Marketing & Strategic Sales at ICECORP Logistics, based out of Ottawa, ON.
Denise Montrose (@SmallWorldLLC), Managing Director for logistics and supply chain recruiting firm Small World Recruiting, based in Cleveland, OH.
Who is using 3D technology and printing right now?
A1 defense. Auto industry. Aviation. It’s really everywhere. #tradeelite
— Steve (@SCMProfessor) September 8, 2016
@tresAudrey @FITTNews who isn’t? My favourite is @aspectbiosys in @UBC who are printing human lung tissue. Used for drug testing #tradeelite
— Chris Begley (@BegleyChris) September 8, 2016
What industries would you want to see use 3D Printing who are not currently doing so?
A2 honestly I am not sure who isn’t. Historians are. Food is. The real question isn’t adoption in industry but speed and scope #tradeelite
— Steve (@SCMProfessor) September 8, 2016
We all think 3D technology is the best thing since sliced bread, but is there any downside to it?
Q3 environmental concerns due to energy consumption to run the printers & the dependecy on plastic & then resp of manufacturers #TradeElite
— ICECORP Logistics (@icecorplog) September 8, 2016
How is 3D Printing technology affecting operations? What processes and products are we going to shed?
A4 rapid prototyping. Localized printing could transform 3PL and shipping. Renewed “local” or reshoring. #TradeElite
— Steve (@SCMProfessor) September 8, 2016
Will this technology lead us to lose our appreciation for handcrafted goods in favour of speed and convenience?
A5 it is just another form of “handcrafted” goods, there r still ideas & design behind the products printed 3D #TradeElite #changeofmindset
— ICECORP Logistics (@icecorplog) September 8, 2016
A5 I don’t think we will ever lose our appreciation for handcrafted goods. Still appreciated in the world of mass-production #tradeelite
— Pam Hyatt (@lyricsbypam) September 8, 2016
With all this innovation and customization going on, how will intellectual property rights exist?
A6. I think as w/ all new tech, Governments & regulators are struggling to keep up! #TradeElite
— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) September 8, 2016
3D printing has been called the third industrial revolution, staggering numbers on infograph: https://t.co/Xh7GVI2zQ8 #TradeElite #3D
— ICECORP Logistics (@icecorplog) September 8, 2016
Be honest, is the profitability of 3D Printing going to change your career path or business strategy?
its going to be everywhere, forecasters think 3D printing will show revenues of 21B by 2020 #TradeElite #3Dprinting
— ICECORP Logistics (@icecorplog) September 8, 2016
A6. If Law students are looking to the future, degrees in technology #IP & #patents are going to be the ones to get! #TradeElite
— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) September 8, 2016
@SCMProfessor Good point on workforce as it one of the fastest growing segments for hiring in our industry #tradeelite
— Small World (@SmallWorldLLC) September 8, 2016
Read the rest of the chat and follow future discussions by following the #TradeElite hashtag.
Stay tuned for the next #TradeElite chat, coming up Thursday, October 13 at 2:30-3:30PM ET.
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