The fragility of global supply chains puts the world economy at risk. Distance, logistics, and geopolitical volatility generate hidden costs. Local production and additive manufacturing are emerging as solutions to reduce risks and response times. Traditional metrics are not enough: a new approach based on resilience is needed.

ESAM, developed by ORNL and ARC Specialties, accelerates the production of large metal components up to 3x compared to traditional methods. It combines electroslag strip cladding and wire arc additive manufacturing to achieve high productivity and geometric control, with mechanical properties comparable to cast materials. Ideal for the energy sector.

3D printing makes hydrogen safer for use in transportation by eliminating joints and improving the strength of metals.

Additive manufacturing offers competitive advantages in automotive and motorsport, reducing development times and optimizing components. Technologies like SLS, binder jetting, and PBF allow on-demand production, weight reduction, and greater strength. Practical cases demonstrate the effective integration of 3D printing without disrupting existing production lines.

The German project AddMamBa transforms scrap steel into structural components for construction via 3D printing, reducing emissions and waste. Through the atomization of metal scraps into powder suitable for laser melting, brackets and connectors are obtained with performance similar to traditional components, but with lower environmental impact. The approach includes chemical control, optimization

The US Navy introduces a “material maturity” framework to certify 3D printed materials, reducing logistics lead times by 70% and integrating additive parts into the supply chain without compromising safety or reliability.

The implementation of AI in production process control requires a systemic approach that goes beyond the optimization of individual machines. To achieve significant results in additive manufacturing, it is necessary to integrate data, automation, and open standards throughout the entire production cycle. Only then can AI become the “digital nervous system” of the factory, ensuring quality,

The choice between a perpetual license and a subscription for desktop print farms impacts costs, flexibility, and growth. A perpetual license is cost-effective for those with defined budgets and stable expansion plans, while a subscription offers flexibility and continuous access to advanced features. Solutions like AutoFarm3D Lite and Prusa Connect represent the two models, with different advantages depending on the es

The additive manufacturing sector is consolidating on vertical niches such as aerospace, medical, and foundry, abandoning the logic of horizontal coverage. The companies that survive focus on specialization, integration into client workflows, and reliable solutions, not just innovation. Success now depends on the ability to generate concrete economies and ensure uptime and repeatability.

Desktop 3D printing today offers industrial-grade precision at contained costs, but with limits on scale and speed. Solutions like the microArch S150 and its Ultra upgrade balance precision and throughput for R&D and pilot production. Entry-level post-processors like the M4 Basic improve finish, albeit with dimensional limits. The right choice depends on the specific use case.

3D printing can be sustainable with targeted choices. Additive-X demonstrates how: every kg of filament sold removes plastic from the oceans and offsets CO₂ emissions. Thanks to partnerships with Plastic Bank and Carbon Footprint™, in 2022, 64 tons of CO₂ were offset. Additive manufacturing reduces waste and emissions, especially with on-demand models and certified systems. Traceability,

Snapmaker with SnapSwap system stands out for speed, precision, and waste reduction in multicolor 3D printing. Thanks to kinematic couplings and dedicated hotends, it offers fast changes, high repeatability, and less downtime compared to traditional filament change systems. Ideal for complex productions with frequent color changes.