How will 3d printing impact the supply chain and manufactoring

[cheatmaster5]

I have been reading and hearing how 3D printing will change how we buy things and make them.

I found these interesting articles and wanted people thoughts on it.

What do you think will happen.

http://hbr.org/2013/03/3-d-printing-...the-world/ar/1

http://www.imaginethat-3d.com/#!3d-p...on--the-/c11p4

http://www.supplymanagement.com/anal...re-of-printing

[BakerEvan]

Right now 3D Printing has impacted supply chains simply because things don't need to be kept in stock. When something is needed, they simply print however many they need. This requires a lot less waste and a lot less storage.

As for manufacturing, it will certainly effect things in the next 5-10 years. Right now, 3d printing is used a lot for prototyping, but in the future I see it being the main way companies manufacture things.

[Teran]

Although the current uses it already enables the technology has still a long way of being greatly involved in our everyday life. 5-10 years is a realistic expectations.

[squadus]

3D printing will affect supply chains and manufacturing in multiple ways:

First, mass customization = cheaper equipment costs and faster layover time (elimination). This means new equipment does not need to be bought when a new design is manufactured.
Second, automation. Programmability will enable 3D printing to take over many of steps in the supply chain such as manufacturing, assembly, packaging and even shipping.
Third, elimination of inventory. All inventory costs are gone. 3D printing is the definition of made-to-order, because of its customizability.
Fourth, necessity of outsourcing to suppliers will be decreased and possibly eliminated. Supplies and equipment can be 3D printed on a whim.
Fifth, creates an ability for entrepreneurial innovation. People are able to design and create their ideas immediately for a small cost. Ex: Prototypes.
Sixth, the materials created and used are sure to be healthy for big blue Earth. In time, regulations and rules on the carbon impacts of machines and materials will be developed.

And I haven't even mentioned it's effects on actual manufacturing.

The field is so new that it is waiting to be revolutionized.