Whether you’re just entering the world of additive manufacturing or you’re ready to scale it across your production line, these 25 questions reveal how 3D printing is maturing into a full-fledged industrial technology—and what challenges still stand in the way.
- Is 3D printing still just for prototyping?
Not anymore. While 97% of companies still use it for prototyping, 67% now use it for functional production parts. - What’s meant by “end-use production parts”?
These are components printed for actual use—not just test models—including final products sold to customers or integrated into assemblies. - What’s bridge manufacturing?
Bridge manufacturing uses 3D printing to produce short runs of parts before full-scale production ramps up, helping companies launch faster. - What types of parts are most commonly printed now?
Tooling, jigs, fixtures, housings, brackets, inserts, and customized components—especially in aerospace, medical, and automotive industries. - What’s driving the shift from prototyping to production?
Improved materials, faster and more reliable machines, smarter post-processing, and increased confidence in 3D printing’s repeatability and part quality. - What are the biggest barriers to scaling 3D printing?
Lack of certified materials, high material and equipment costs, post-processing complexity, and limited integration with digital systems. - Is it hard to find certified 3D printing materials?
Yes. 90% of companies say the certified materials they need—especially for regulated applications—aren’t readily available. - Are material costs still a problem?
Absolutely. 79% of companies cite high raw material costs as a major barrier to growth. - What about equipment costs?
High-performance polymer and metal AM systems often cost hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, limiting adoption at scale. - Why is post-processing such a challenge?
It’s time- and labor-intensive. Tasks like support removal, surface finishing, and thermal treatment are critical to quality but add cost and delay. - Can companies integrate 3D printing into their ERP or MES systems?
Not easily. Only 42% of organizations report successful integration with enterprise software for scheduling, traceability, and reporting. - Does printer count equal success?
Not necessarily. What matters more is how well AM is embedded across R&D, production, maintenance, and supply chain workflows. - Are all industries adopting 3D printing at the same pace?
No. Aerospace, medical, and automotive sectors are leading due to strong needs for customization, lightweighting, and short-run tooling. - What types of materials are used most?
Plastics like nylon, PLA, and PEEK dominate, followed by metals (stainless steel, titanium, Inconel) and composites (carbon- or glass-filled polymers). - Are companies using custom materials?
Yes. 66% of organizations report using custom-engineered or vendor-specific materials tailored for strength, biocompatibility, or thermal properties. - What is Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)?
DfAM is the practice of optimizing part geometry specifically for 3D printing—reducing material, improving strength, and minimizing post-processing. - How is AM used in repair and maintenance (MRO)?
AM is increasingly used to fabricate discontinued or customized replacement parts, reducing downtime and inventory costs. - Can additive manufacturing consolidate parts into simpler assemblies?
Yes. AM allows multiple components to be printed as a single structure, improving strength, reducing weight, and eliminating fasteners. - How does 3D printing support sustainability?
By reducing material waste, supporting on-demand production, and enabling lighter-weight parts that improve energy efficiency in use. - Can additive reduce lead times?
Dramatically. Parts that take weeks or months through traditional methods can be delivered in days with additive. - What role does AM play in supply chain resilience?
It supports localized, on-demand production and helps mitigate disruptions caused by overseas manufacturing or tooling delays. - How are companies addressing the AM skills gap?
Many are upskilling internal teams in DfAM and process validation, while others partner externally for design and production expertise. - What do executives think about AM today?
55% now see AM as a strategic capability—a significant increase from 37% in 2021—reflecting growing confidence in its industrial potential. - Is additive replacing traditional manufacturing?
Not entirely. It’s best seen as a complement—especially effective for small batches, complex parts, or products needing frequent iteration. - What’s the outlook for additive over the next five years?
Moderate, stable growth. While the hype has cooled, 70% of companies plan to expand their use of 3D printing—focused on real, validated applications.
Ready to take your parts from prototype to production with the best 3D printing service? Partner with experts who understand what it takes to scale. Visit www.RapidMade.com or email [email protected] to get started.
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