3D printing as the key to competitive advantages
Anyone thinking about innovation, efficiency and differentiation on the market today can hardly avoid 3D printing. Additive manufacturing has long since developed from a niche phenomenon to a decisive success factor for companies - and not only for large corporations, but also for SMEs and start-ups. Decision-makers from industry, mechanical engineering, medical technology and the consumer goods sector are increasingly turning to us for transruptions coaching because they know that 3D printing opens up new ways to speed up processes, reduce costs and clearly stand out on the market.
How does the strategic entry into 3D printing work?
Getting started with additive manufacturing usually begins with a simple question: Where can we generate added value quickly and easily with 3D printing? Managers ask themselves this question especially if they are not yet fully aware of the technology's potential or have sceptics in their team. 3D printing is much more than just rapid prototyping. The technology makes it possible to produce components with complex geometries that would be difficult or very costly to realise using conventional methods.
A manufacturer in the medical technology sector has reduced its development times for customised implants from several weeks to just a few days as part of a transruption coaching programme. A mechanical engineering company produces spare parts for obsolete machines directly on site - without long-term supplier relationships. And a medium-sized company from the electronics industry provides customised housings for its customers at the touch of a button. All of this shows that 3D printing is a key lever for becoming more agile, customised and efficient.
BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A global automotive supplier is successfully using 3D printing to deliver prototypes for electromobility applications in record time. The development of new vehicle components now runs in parallel with customer requirements because iterative adjustments can be implemented directly in-house. This increases flexibility and significantly accelerates the market launch, as traditional retooling times and tooling costs are eliminated.
From the idea to the workpiece: practical applications for 3D printing
Decision-makers often tell us about typical issues that they come to us with. They are looking for solutions for small batch sizes, individual customer orders, optimising supply chains or dealing with increasing quality requirements. 3D printing does not solve these challenges across the board, but it does provide concrete impetus and opens up new options that did not exist before.
An example from the aviation industry: an OEM uses 3D printing to manufacture spare parts directly at the customer's site, which simplifies logistics and minimises downtimes. A company from the architecture sector creates true-to-scale models that visualise complex buildings and enable quick feedback loops. And a supplier of industrial packaging machines prints wear parts and small assemblies on demand to make maintenance more efficient.
BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A medium-sized mechanical engineering company has greatly expanded its range of customised and niche tools with the help of 3D printing. Thanks to direct access to the technology and collaboration with an external service provider, special requests can be realised cost-effectively according to individual customer requirements, which significantly increases customer satisfaction and acquisition power.
Integrating 3D printing - but how?
Integrating 3D printing into your own processes requires more than just purchasing a device. We provide companies with targeted support in identifying the right use case, building up internal expertise and involving external partners. It often turns out that the initial impetus from outside - for example from a service provider or through transruptions coaching - is useful in order to bring the necessary momentum to the project.
A company from the medical technology sector started with a supervised pilot phase in which prototypes were manufactured in-house. The team reflected on their experiences, which resulted in new approaches for the production of end parts. A company from the pharmaceutical industry uses 3D printing to produce customised dosage aids that meet both patient needs and regulatory requirements. And a manufacturer of consumer goods is testing different materials and surfaces in order to bring new product ideas to market more quickly.
BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A customer from the power generation sector and its team have developed a concept to efficiently organise on-site repairs. Customised wear parts, which would otherwise require long delivery times, are manufactured locally using 3D printing. This saves time, costs and increases the reliability of the systems, as there is no need for stock or complex procurement channels.
Actionable tips: Decision-making levers for 3D printing
We recommend: Start with a clearly defined project that delivers added value quickly and visibly. Involve both technical and commercial colleagues. Carry out regular reviews to ensure learning progress and expand the area of application of 3D printing. And: Use external service providers for sporadic applications to avoid tying up capital unnecessarily and to remain flexible.
This allows a company to gain targeted experience without having to make large investments. Another tip: Look specifically for products or components that are required in small quantities but whose manufacturing costs are very high using conventional processes. High savings can often be achieved here. Also check whether 3D printing can be used to tap into new customer groups, for example through personalised products or quickly available small batches.
A supplier from the automotive industry relies on the production of customised components for special models. A company from the sporting goods industry uses 3D printing to offer customised training equipment for competitive athletes. And a service provider for architectural models delivers high-quality models within a few days because traditional moulds are no longer necessary.
My analysis
3D printing offers companies almost unlimited opportunities to clearly stand out from the competition. Those who use the technology strategically can optimise existing processes, reduce costs and tap into new business areas. Decision-makers who take this step regularly report positive effects: greater flexibility, shorter development times and stronger customer loyalty thanks to customised solutions.
But getting started is not a foregone conclusion. Companies benefit in particular if they have the process accompanied - for example through expert coaching or targeted project support. 3D printing is not a panacea, but it is an effective catalyst that provides lasting support for digital transformation within the company. Companies that utilise the potential of additive manufacturing at an early stage are positioning themselves for the future now - and securing decisive competitive advantages.
Further links from the text above:
- The key benefits of 3D printing for small businesses [1]
- 3D printing as a success strategy and competitive advantage [2]
- 3D printing in the company: Advantages, integration and economic opportunities [3]
- Industrial 3D printing solutions for the industry [4]
- Competitive advantage thanks to 3D printing - Bain study [5]
- German companies are increasingly turning to 3D printing [6]
- New business areas and competitive advantages through 3D printing [7]
- 3D printing service providers provide a competitive advantage [8]
- Securing competitive advantages with 3D printing technology [9]
- Competitive advantages with 3D printing in the automotive sector [10]
For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic TRANSRUPTION here.
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