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.

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,

Many additive startups fail because they focus on technology without building a sustainable business. A solid economic model, paying customers, and strategic patience are needed.

Multi-laser systems with 32 units of 500W each represent the state of the art in metal 3D printing, offering build volumes of up to 3862 liters. While increasing productivity and automation, these plants present thermal limits, powder management issues, and geometric constraints that affect actual production feasibility. Integration with MES and automated systems enables scalability

Technical polyamides offer excellent performance, but their printing complexity often makes them impractical. SP4 CF15 from 3DBooster was created to solve this paradox: 8.5 GPa rigidity, thermal resistance up to 180°C, and open-air printability without advanced setups.

Additive manufacturing could revolutionize the transport of spent nuclear fuel, reducing costs and production times for critical components such as impact limiters. Technologies like FFF and PBF allow for complex geometries and savings of up to $1.7 million per cask. Studies by Orano and UNC Charlotte confirm technical feasibility, but specific regulatory standards are still lacking.

Additive manufacturing of high-temperature resistant ceramics requires careful selection of the process: melt-infiltration, CVI, or PIP, each with advantages and limitations in terms of cost, speed, and complexity. Cellular structures reduce weight and material but can compromise structural integrity. Advanced materials such as SiC and multi-oxide composites offer high performance but at

New real-time quality control systems promise to revolutionize 3D printing by correcting errors during the production process. Optical and thermal sensors monitor printed calibration elements alongside the component, enabling immediate corrections to parameters. This reduces waste and improves precision, especially for complex geometries such as aerospace ones. The patent

Composite filaments for FDM 3D printing, enriched with carbon or glass fibers, exhibit brittleness and risk of breakage during printing due to poor integration between additives and the polymer matrix. Chamber heating does not improve the situation and may worsen the problem. Structural discontinuities generate localized stresses, especially in the filament path curves

The resilience of global chains is becoming crucial for economic sustainability. Geopolitics reveals hidden costs related to distances, logistics, and systemic fragility. Companies are reconsidering production localization and additive manufacturing to reduce risks and improve self-sufficiency.