Debunking 5 additive manufacturing myths
Singapore businesses' misconceptions need to be cleared up as the industry is predicted to grow to more than S$7.5 billion in Asia-Pacific by 2025.
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WHEN 3D printing was first introduced in the 1980s, few saw its potential to transform business on a global scale. Fast forward to today, industries as diverse as aerospace, automotive, medical, tooling and even cosmetics greatly benefit from faster production schedules and cost savings in the production of parts. But these benefits are largely unknown and have flown under the radar of many.
The sector, known among industry insiders as additive manufacturing, or AM for short, is predicted to grow to more than S$7.5 billion in Asia-Pacific by 2025. In Singapore, the drive to innovate in all industries has expanded interest in areas like marine offshore and maritime. However, local uptake in AM is still in its infancy despite many large companies running established research and development arms. And when we look at SMEs, which makes up 99 per cent of businesses in Singapore, adoption is even more cautious.
It is likely this is due to misconceptions surrounding the industry. Hence, I would like to clear up five myths I often hear a when speaking to Singaporean businesses about 3D printing:
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